David Slater, executive director for regeneration and resources, circulated an e-mail to council colleagues and members yesterday afternoon.

In it, he said: "This is a personal message from me to say that I've been offered and accepted the post of executive director of environment and regeneration at Newcastle City Council.

"The announcement is being made today, but I wanted you to hear it from me.

"I'm going because the opportunity and the challenge in Newcastle is huge.

"I will be here for the next phase of the strategic partnership to take us to a preferred bidder for Hebburn town centre, and I hope to agree single status proposals for trade unions that their members would find acceptable in a further ballot."

He follows fellow executive directors Amanda Skelton and Kim Bromley-Derry out of South Tyneside Council.

In his public statement, he said: "I am grateful to many people in South Tyneside for the experience gained here.

"I have learned a lot from listening to the people of South Tyneside and worked hard to help achieve their ambition to regenerate and deliver better services.

"It has been a wonderful experience as well as a great responsibility.

"When I leave, I will take with me a sense of humility in the face of South Tyneside's ambition, gratitude for the support I have received, and pride in all that our one team of elected members, officers and partners has achieved."

The council's chief executive, Irene Lucas, said: "Regenerating South Tyneside is one of our biggest priorities and David's impact in this area has been tremendous.

"He has also helped the council deliver better value for money and award-winning communications.

"I know I speak on behalf of many who have benefited from David's work over the past four years and wish him well for the future."