THE chief executive of Worcestershire County Council has announced he is standing down after more than 10 years in the job.

Rob Sykes will leave County Hall at the end of the year or when a replacement has been found, depending on whichever comes first.

Mr Sykes, who joined the authority from Oxfordshire County Council, said he no longer wanted to occupy a full-time role and wanted to spend more time with his family.

However, he said he would be using his qualifications and expertise to mentor younger chief officers and coach future chief executives.

"I would like to thank colleagues for their support and hard work during my time at Worcestershire County Council, which has been challenging but extremely rewarding," he said. "There are undoubtedly difficult times ahead but we have proved this is an organisation that rises to the challenge and I'm confident that will continue to be the case."

County council leader Dr George Lord said: "Rob has played a major role in making Worcestershire County Council among the most highly-regarded in the country. He is a well-known and very well respected chief executive at both regional and national level.

"I have enjoyed working with Rob during the six years I have been leader of this council and thank him for his commitment, hard work and everything he has done for Worcestershire."

Mr Sykes said he was "really proud" of what Worcestershire County Council has achieved during his time with the authority, but thought leaving this year would give the new chief executive time to get to know the county council and all its members before the elections in 2009.

The job is due to be advertised shortly.