Bury names new chief executive

MIKE Kelly has been appointed as the new chief executive at Bury Council.

Mr Kelly, who is currently deputy chief executive, will take over in March. He replaces Mark Sanders who announced his intention to take early retirement in September.

The council described the appointment as a, “key step in the wider restructure of the chief executive’s department” that should save £500,000 in the next financial year.

Mr Kelly has worked at the council since June 2002 and was previously executive director of contract services at Oldham Council. He has also worked at Sefton, Burnley and Middlesbrough and had spells in the private sector in senior management roles.

He said: “I am pleased and delighted to be the next chief executive of Bury Council. However, I recognise that there are significant and difficult challenges which lie ahead. I will be working with the leader, cabinet and wider management team to make sure that this handover process is as smooth as possible and that we have continued stability as we work through these challenging times.”

Mark Sanders said: “I have worked closely with Mike for a number of years on many of the key issues which we have faced at Bury. We have a close working relationship and I am confident that I will leave Bury in a safe pair of hands which will be able to capably manage the challenges which lie ahead to help ensure the best possible outcomes for the local community.”