Ana Popovici appointed Chief Executive of Richmond and Wandsworth Councils

Ana Popovici has been named as the next Chief Executive of Richmond and Wandsworth’s Better Service Partnership – a team of council officers that serves more than half a million residents.

Previously Deputy Chief Executive, Ana brings extensive senior leadership experience across local government, including children’s services, transformation, culture and change, financial resilience, partnership working and the delivery of high-quality public services.
 
The appointment comes at a significant moment for both councils as they respond to major financial pressures while continuing to protect services for residents and deliver the everyday support communities rely on.
 
Ana Popovici said: “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. As a local resident and long-standing colleague, I care deeply about the future of our boroughs and the opportunities ahead, and it is an honour to step into this role.

“Our elected Members have set ambitious visions for Richmond and Wandsworth. One of the great strengths of our boroughs is the way we work alongside our communities and partners to achieve more together, championing the places we serve, the partnerships we have built and the opportunities still waiting to be discovered.”

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “Ana is a highly respected and experienced public servant who already knows Richmond and our communities extremely well. Her appointment gives us continuity, stability and strong leadership at a time when local government across the country is facing real challenges. I am confident she will work closely with members and staff to maintain momentum, support our ambitions for Richmond upon Thames and help ensure the council continues to deliver for all residents.” 
 
Councillor Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “Ana has already shown strong, ambitious and compassionate leadership across our shared organisation, and I am pleased that she has been appointed to this important role. Wandsworth faces significant financial challenges, but we are determined to protect the services residents rely on and keep delivering for our communities. Ana brings exactly the right mix of experience needed to lead our organisation through this next chapter.”

Ana’s appointment follows a recruitment process overseen by the Joint Staffing Committee, which includes representatives from across the political groups of both councils.