Tower Hamlets made national headlines last week after a UK Government minister branded the council a “rotten borough” amid allegations of corruption and cronyism.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles MP sent a team of commissioners into the authority following a damning investigation, which alleged there had been widespread misuse of public money.
The move meant decision-making was taken away from elected mayor Lutfur Rahman (pictured).
Ted Jeory, a journalist who writes a blog on east London politics, called Trial by Jeory, has suggested Takki Sulaiman may have been looking for a new job for some time.
He has also speculated that some of Mr Pickles’ team may be sent into the communications office which Mr Sulaiman headed up, although that has not happened as yet.
Yesterday, a senior official at the local authority paid tribute to the work of Mr Sulaiman.
Stephen Halsey, head of paid service, said: “I want to thank Takki for his contribution to Tower Hamlets since March 2010.
“The borough attracts a high calibre of staff who continue to be in demand with high-profile employers across the UK, partly as a result of the experiences gained from the intensity of working for an inner city area with its unique opportunities and challenges.
“I know that Takki’s experience on working on the borough’s 2012 Olympic preparations – for which the council won an award – will be of direct relevance to a growing and ambitious city such as Aberdeen.”
Mr Sulaiman, who has family links to Scotland, said: “I have spent five enjoyable, interesting and rewarding years communicating what Tower Hamlets has to offer London and indeed the world.
“This new post at Aberdeen City Council means that I will help present Aberdeen’s cultural and economic opportunities across the UK and internationally.
“On a personal note it is also an opportunity for my family to be nearer relatives who will need our support.”
Aberdeen City Council said it would not be issuing a statement.
However, chief executive Angela Scott, writing on a personal blog, said Mr Sulaiman was “an exceptional candidate and I am certain he will be a tremendous addition to the team here in Aberdeen”.