People: New leader for Oldham; Scapa hires new FD

OLDHAM Council has appointed Jean Stretton as its first ever female leader.

The Hollinwood councillor’s selection was approved at a meeting on Wednesday night. She replaces Jim McMahon who is stepping aside to focus on his duties as the new Labour MP for Oldham West and Royton following his election last month.

Cllr Stretton, 57, has been a councillor since 2003 and served as deputy leader since June 2014. She will now assume responsibility for regeneration.

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TECHNICAL tapes manufacturer Scapa says its finance director Paul Edwards plans to retire at the end of April after more than five years in the post.

The listed Ashton-Under-Lyne-based group said it had appointed 51-year-old Graham Hardcastle to succeed him.
Hardcastle will join the business on February 1. He was previously group finance director at Bridon International and prior to that he held a number of senior finance positions at Smith & Nephew  and Smiths Group.  

James Wallace, Scapa’s chairman said: “The board thanks Paul for his contribution to the success of the company during his tenure.  He helped lead the company during a period of exceptional development and the board wishes him well for the future.  Graham brings to the role very strong business skills and experience in healthcare and global markets, which will be of great benefit to the group as it pursues its strategy for growth.”