Leadership change at the council as financial pressures mount
Ana Popovici has been appointed chief executive of the shared administration that runs Richmond and Wandsworth, the councils announced on Thursday. Previously serving as deputy chief executive, Popovici takes the top civil service role at a time when both boroughs are managing significant budgetary challenges while aiming to maintain frontline services.
The councils said Popovici brings “extensive senior leadership experience across local government,” with particular expertise in children’s services, transformation, culture and change, financial resilience, partnership working and the delivery of high-quality public services. Her elevation is designed to provide continuity and hands-on leadership for the Better Service Partnership, the staffing arrangement shared by the two councils.
“I have always been proud to serve the boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth. It is the privilege of my career to now lead the Better Service Partnership, a staffing group that is unique and delivers for Richmond and Wandsworth,”
Popovici, who is a local resident and long-standing council colleague, said she cared “deeply about the future of our boroughs” and described it as an “honour to step into this role.” The councils emphasised that the appointment was made at a critical moment as elected members look to safeguard services amid the financial headwinds affecting local government across the country.
Political leaders back the appointment
The leadership change has been welcomed by senior councillors. Councillor Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said Popovici had “already shown strong, ambitious and compassionate leadership” and that she brought the “right mix of experience needed to lead our organisation through this next chapter.”
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, added that Popovici’s appointment would deliver “continuity, stability and strong leadership” while local government faced “real challenges.” He said he was confident she would work closely with members and staff to maintain momentum on the boroughs’ ambitions.
What the role covers and immediate priorities
The councils highlighted a number of areas in which Popovici has delivered and will be expected to lead going forward. These include:
- Protecting and delivering everyday services for residents
- Strengthening financial resilience and managing budgetary pressures
- Driving transformation, culture and partnership working across both boroughs
Her appointment signals the councils’ intention to rely on experienced internal leadership rather than an external search at a time when rapid response to fiscal and service delivery issues is required.
| Role | Experience highlighted |
|---|---|
| Deputy Chief Executive (previous) | Children's services, transformation, culture, financial resilience, partnership working |
| Chief Executive (new) | Lead the Better Service Partnership; protect services amid financial pressures |
For residents of Wandsworth, the change at the top of the council's administration is more than a personnel shift: it frames how the borough will steer services such as social care, housing support, waste collection and local infrastructure through constrained budgets. The Better Service Partnership is central to that effort, pooling senior leadership and staff across both boroughs to deliver shared priorities.
Popovici’s local residency and long-standing role within the councils were emphasised by leaders as assets that will help smooth the transition and maintain service delivery. Both councils said they would continue to work with communities and partners to deliver the visions set by elected members.
The appointment does not, in itself, resolve the financial challenges identified by the councils, but it does place an experienced internal leader at the helm during a period when swift, practicable decisions on budgets and services will be required.
