Rickardo Hyatt has been unanimously recommended for appointment as the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Chief Executive, subject to final full council approval on 7 September 2026.
Currently, as Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Housing, Climate and Economy at the London Borough of Hackney, Rickardo manages the council's largest directorate, overseeing a £270m revenue budget, a £1.5bn capital programme, and a 2,500-strong workforce. Upon appointment, he will succeed the retiring Debbie Warren, after a long and highly regarded career at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, including seven years as our Chief Executive.
With nearly two decades in national, regional and London’s local government, Rickardo brings extensive experience to the role. During his tenure at the Greater London Authority as Executive Director of Housing and Land, he served as the Mayor of London's principal housing strategy adviser, securing over £4bn in government investment and overseeing the delivery of London’s highest volume of affordable housing since the early 1980s. At Hackney, his leadership has been recognised through a string of sector awards, including the 2024 RIBA Neave Brown Award, the 2025 MJ Award for transport decarbonisation, and two 2026 LGC Awards for Local Economic Development and Sustainability initiatives, alongside the delivery of the borough's Climate Action Plan and a cross-council homelessness programme that has delivered millions of pounds in savings while improving outcomes for residents.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:
“Rickardo is exactly the calibre of leader Greenwich needs as we enter our next chapter. His track record speaks for itself: a genuine passion for building affordable homes, driving inclusive economic growth and delivering for residents, combined with the strategic vision and collaborative style to lead a council as ambitious as ours. On behalf of the whole council, I want to thank Debbie for her outstanding contribution over many years, and I fully support the recommendation of Rickardo for the post.”
Rickardo Hyatt, recommended for appointment as Chief Executive for the Royal Borough of Greenwich said:
“I am hugely honoured to be recommended for the post of Chief Executive of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Greenwich is a borough with an extraordinary story to tell - world-class heritage, ambitious growth plans and communities that care deeply about their neighbourhoods. I have long admired the pace and ambition of the council's work, and I cannot wait to get started if approved by Full Council, to meet residents, staff and partners, and to build on the fantastic foundations Debbie and the team have laid.”
If the appointment is approved, Rickardo Hyatt will take up the role of Chief Executive of the Royal Borough of Greenwich in the coming months, with a full handover period planned with Debbie Warren to ensure continuity for residents, staff and partners.