Gill Kneller steps down after 37 years in public service.
EHDC is marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter tonight, as Chief Executive Gill Kneller retires after 37 years in local government and Dawn Adey is appointed as the council’s new Chief Executive.
Gill Kneller has had a long and distinguished career in public service and has been Chief Executive at EHDC since 2019, having worked at the council for 21 years.
She has led EHDC, which was previously partnered with Havant Borough Council, through the Covid pandemic where the organisation was instrumental in supporting local businesses and vulnerable residents. She has gone on to radically transform the way the council operates including its move to a greener HQ, its shortlisting for ‘most improved council’, delivering two new leisure centres in the district and receiving a highly positive peer review which considers how well the council is run.
And this has all been delivered on top of the council’s vital day-to-day services while continuing to balance its budget in the midst of government cut-backs.
Cllr Richard Millard, EHDC Leader, said: “Gill has been an absolutely first class Chief Executive leading EHDC with dedication, vision and pragmatism.
“Gill’s clear vision has fundamentally transformed the organisation into something that we are all hugely proud of.
“She spearheaded the transformation programme that has delivered huge savings while ensuring that our services remain top class which resulted in us being shortlisted for a national award for ‘most improved council’ - which is no mean feat.
"Gill led the organisation through the Covid pandemic and ensured that EHDC went above and beyond to support our communities, our businesses and also our staff.
“She will be hugely missed and I personally couldn’t have asked for a better Chief Executive to work with.”
Dawn Adey was appointed the new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 23 April. Ms Adey brings with her a wealth of experience in the public sector having previously worked for the Fire Service and at the county and district levels of local government.
Gill will remain at the council in a mentoring role until her retirement in June.
Dawn rejoined East Hampshire District Council as Executive Director of Operations in May 2025, having previously served the council from 2011 to 2020.
An Executive MBA graduate, Dawn has held senior leadership roles in councils across Hampshire and Somerset, playing a key part in the Somerset local government reorganisation process.
EHDC Councillors ratified Dawn’s appointment, which followed a robust selection process.
EHDC Leader Cllr Richard Millard added: “I am delighted to be welcoming Ms Adey to the role of Chief Executive. We have been working together for many years so I know how she works and the qualities she brings.
“Dawn is completely committed to East Hampshire District Council and it is clear to me that she is determined to make the council the best it can be as we approach local government reorganisation in 2028.
“She has a tough act to follow in Gill, who has set the bar high. During her seven years as chief executive Gill has driven the organisation through enormous, transformational change, always with a clear-sighted focus on the best outcomes for the council and the residents of East Hampshire.
“I know councillors and staff will join me in thanking Gill for the phenomenal work she has done for the district during her time and in wishing her all the best in her retirement.”