Newham Council’s chief executive has received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to regenerating the borough.

Kim Bromley-Derry was given the award by the University of East London’s school of business and law.

He said: “I’ve worked hard, and benefitted from the support and opportunities given to me, so I am passionate about doing the same for others.”

He held senior roles within four other councils before moving to Newham as director of children’s services in 2007.

He was appointed chief executive in 2010, and played a role in bringing £33 billion of investment to the borough, including Westfield Stratford City and the forthcoming ABP business district in the Royal Docks.

He said: “It’s humbling but also gives me a great sense of achievement to have led in the delivery of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it was great for Newham and London, so much good has come of it.

“I’m passionate about how these things can create opportunities for Newham, including for our UEL graduates.”

Mr Bromley-Derry has had a varied career before joining the world of local government.

Soon after finishing his A-levels, he volunteered on a summer project helping disadvantaged children, which led to him spending the next two years volunteering full time on projects helping young peopl.

His first paid role was as a residential care worker, before a secondment took him to university for a degree in social work. “I found myself going to university, a little older than other students, and with several years of real-life work experience behind me, so the chance to deepen my knowledge and add to my experience through work placements was invaluable,” he said.

He returned to residential care settings as a qualified social worker, eventually becoming a manager with a desire to develop policies that helped children in care.

As well as the senior roles he has held, Mr Bromley-Derry also studied for a diploma in management studies and an MBA.

In 2009 he was appointed by the then secretary of state to lead the government’s early intervention strategy work on the Troubled Families initiative.

Last year he was honoured with a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for services to local government.