Salford’s Stannard takes over as Manchester City Council chief executive

Tom Stannard, chief executive of Salford City Council, is to take up the same role at neighbouring Manchester City Council. Stannard will replace Joanne Roney, who announced her departure from the council in June. She has returned to her native Birmingham to become managing director at its council. Stannard, who has been chief executive of Salford City Council for the past four years, has more than 27 years of experience in local government including senior posts in Oldham, Wakefield, Blackburn with Darwen and the London boroughs. He is a chartered surveyor, chair of the UK Institute of Economic Development, commissioner for the UK Living Wage Foundation and a national spokesman for health and social care for Solace (the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers).  He will join the council in early 2025, taking over from interim chief executive Eamonn Boylan. Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said: “This is a big job and we know the chief executive of Manchester is one of the most coveted positions in local government. That is why I am delighted that we are appointing Tom Stannard – someone who shares our pride in the city and ambition to deliver for our residents.”  She added: “Tom was our unanimous choice in a highly competitive selection process. He is a nationally respected voice in local government with an impressive CV and a track record of delivery across regeneration, inclusive growth and improving council services. We were impressed by his energy and passion, his clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Manchester and his ideas for the future. He is already a well-known figure in Greater Manchester and beyond, and we are confident that he will help us improve the city over the next decade.” Stannard said: “This is an exceptional role in an incredible city. I’ve spent a significant part of my career living and working in Greater Manchester and have a deep commitment to the city and its people. I am eager to start work on the next chapter alongside Bev Craig and all elected members. “Manchester is a city that is competing on a global stage and successfully attracting investment, jobs and visitors, and it is important that we continue to maximise those strengths. Just as crucial is that the growth generated benefits the whole city, and I know that is something the council is already working on and determined to achieve. While being unapologetically ambitious for the city’s global future, I won’t lose focus on the need to deliver excellent day-to-day services for Manchester’s people in the here and now.”  Photo © Salford City Council