Stephen Bound, Chief Executive, to leave the organisation

It is with enormous regret that the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators (WPCC) announce the decision of Chief Executive, Stephen Bound, to leave the organisation in May 2023 in order to relocate to the Lake District.

Stephen joined WPCC in January 2016 as Chief Operations Manager, assuming responsibility for the day to day operations of the Commons, ensuring they remained protected and preserved for the purposes of recreation and exercise, in accordance with the terms of the Act of Parliament that established the Commons in 1871.

In May 2021, Stephen was promoted to the role of Chief Executive, having served as Acting Chief Executive on an interim basis following the retirement of his predecessor.  In this role, Stephen provided strong and effective leadership of the organisation during a particularly critical time of the COVID pandemic, when the Commons proved to be absolutely essential to the well-being of the local community.

As Chief Executive, Stephen has played an integral role in the development of the Commons’ masterplan with a particular focus on the natural environment.  Stephen recognised the need to increase the protection of vulnerable habitats and led the realignment of resources to help achieve this objective.  He also recognised the need to ensure effective communication channels with the public were in place to explain the purpose and scope of the interventions to members of the public.  It is a testament to the success of these efforts that the recent public consultation on the masterplan received wide community support and its implementation will be one of Stephen’s greatest legacies. 

Stephen commented “I have loved my time at Wimbledon and Putney Commons, working with a committed Board and a wonderful staff team. I shall miss them, and the Commons.”

Diane Neil Mills, Chairman of WPCC, said, “On behalf of the Conservators, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Stephen for the commitment and contribution that he has made to WPCC since joining the organisation seven years ago.  As Chief Executive, he has provided first class leadership for one of the country’s most special open spaces and his decision to relocate represents an immense loss for the Commons.  He will be deeply missed by Conservators, staff and all those who had the privilege to work with him.  We wish him well for the future.”

The Board are currently undertaking a recruitment process and anyone who might be interested in the role can find more information here: Career opportunity - Chief Executive