Zahur Kahn appointed to key regen role at Brent

Zahur Khan is appointed Brent Council’s corporate director of communities and regeneration after joining from Lewisham Council, where he is the director of public realm.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Zahur has led a diverse range of services from highways, transport, parking and street cleansing, as well as significant regeneration and development programmes.

Beginning his career at Hackney Council in 1994 before moving to Islington Council, Zahur worked his way up through the ranks to become Head of Public Realm. Following 13 successful years in Islington, Zahur enjoyed spells in Director level roles at Nottingham City Council and the City of London Corporation. The services Zahur led in the City of London earned a national reputation for innovation and excellence and contributed to a thriving local economy. Most recently, Zahur has been the Director of Public Realm at Lewisham, leading a directorate of more than 400 people delivering solutions that help manage and enhance the public realm.

Carolyn Downs, chief executive of Brent Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome Zahur to Brent. Regeneration is at the core of what we do but what is most important is that the next phase of our regeneration is co-designed and owned by our communities. It is about making sure our communities see the benefits of regeneration, including through employment and skills. Zahur shares this vision and has the knowledge and leadership skills to help us deliver the next phase of Brent’s ambitious agenda.”

“ I am looking forward to working with Zahur as we seek to empower local people, partners, businesses and organisations to help shape the borough’s future.”

Zahur will be responsible for several critical areas in the council, including regeneration, planning, supporting businesses, driving economic growth, community safety, equalities, policy, scrutiny, strategic partnerships, communications and engagement.

Zahur said: “I am delighted to be joining Brent, which is one of the most diverse and most exciting boroughs in London. I am passionate about improving opportunities for the communities of Brent and helping residents to achieve their aspirations. Brent’s challenges provide exciting opportunities for us to adapt and listen to the needs and desires of everyone who lives or works in Brent. Through innovative ways of working, we can do more to enable residents and businesses to thrive and prosper.”

Brent Council’s leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt, welcomed the appointment. He said: “I am looking forward to working with Zahur as we seek to empower local people, partners, businesses and organisations to help shape the borough’s future. Putting communities at the heart of everything we do is what this council is all about. I’m delighted to have Zahur on board to help us to create a borough alive with opportunities and a borough where no one is left behind.”

Zahur will take up the vacant corporate director of communities and regeneration post from January 2023.

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