London has found its new city manager.
Longtime civil servant Lynne Livingstone was unanimously appointed to London's top job by city council on Monday night. Livingstone replaces former city manager Martin Hayward, who retired from the position in January.
“I am honoured to accept this role and to be able to build on the strong foundation that has been set over the past few years,” Livingstone said in a statement. “I care deeply about this organization and about this city. I’m confident that working together with council, with staff and with our community partners, we will continue to move the city forward as we strive to build a better London for all.”
Prior to her appointment, Livingstone was serving as London's deputy city manager - a position that was created last June. She has been a public servant for more than 30 years and joined the City of London in 2007 as the director of neighbourhood and children’s services. Before that, she spent 17 years in senior roles with the province at the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
The city's search for a new top bureaucrat began late last year when Hayward announced his plan to retire. A recruitment firm was hired and came back with a shortlist of 12 candidates for the post.
Mayor Ed Holder called Livingstone a "dedicated and experienced civil servant"
"Her commitment to this organization and to the community is clear in all she does," said Holder. "Along with all of council, I look forward to working with Lynne and to the inspirational, collaborative, and strategic leadership she will bring as she steps into this role.”
Livingstone's appointment is effective immediately.