Manchester Council names Bernstein’s successor

MANCHESTER City Council has today revealed who will replace Sir Howard Bernstein as its chief executive.

Joanne Roney, currently chief executive of Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council, will be recommended for the role, subject to confirmation at a council meeting on December 14.

Roney has held the top post at Wakefield Council since 2008, having started her career in local government as an apprentice with Birmingham City Council at 16.

She has a strong track record in transforming public services and delivering major regeneration initiatives such as the Hepworth Gallery, the council said.

Roney has also previously worked as director of housing at Kirklees Council and executive director with responsibility for housing, communities and adult care services at Sheffield City Council. She was awarded the OBE for services to local government in 2009.

Roney said: “Manchester is a confident and dynamic city and this in an exciting time for anyone to be joining Manchester City Council. I’m honoured to be in line for this prestigious role and looking forward to building on the legacy created by Sir Howard and playing my part, alongside Sir Richard and the wider team, in shaping the next phase of Manchester and Greater Manchester’s journey.”

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We were hugely impressed at interview by Joanne’s drive, strategic vision and determination to ensure that all Manchester residents can be part of the city’s success story.

“This an exciting time for Manchester City Council. We have a clear, shared vision for the future direction of the city – set out in the Our Manchester Strategy for the next decade – and a strong platform from which to move forwards. This includes a high quality team, strong relationships with partner organisations and an established culture of ambition.

“We don’t shy away from the fact that there are still significant challenges ahead to connect all of Manchester’s communities with the opportunities being created here and I have no doubt that this will be right at the top of the new chief executive’s agenda.”

Sir Howard, who joined the council as a junior clerk in 1971, has been in the top job since 1998.

He has played a central role in the regeneration and economic growth of the city, including serving from 1996-99 as the chief executive of Manchester Millennium Ltd, which oversaw the transformation of the city centre in the aftermath of the 1996 IRA bombing.

Since then the city has experienced unprecedented growth and investment including flagship developments such as Spinningfields, NOMA, First Street, Corridor Manchester and forthcoming investments in St John’s, Airport City, the Northern Gateway and HS2.

He was also instrumental in securing Manchester’s hosting of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, which was a major catalyst to the regeneration of East Manchester and the investment in sport and leisure facilities focused around the Etihad Campus. 

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