Alexander appointed Tameside chief executive

Emma Alexander will take the top job at the troubled council in November when she joins from Derbyshire County Council, where she is currently managing director.

Since Tameside’s then-chief executive Sandra Stewart resigned from the role in October 2024 after a damning report on the failure of children’s services, the council has been seeking a long-term replacement.

Following Stewart’s resignation, Harry Catherall, then Oldham chief executive, stepped in to steady the ship on an interim basis.

In November, Catherall will cede his interim role to Alexander to face a new challenge at Warrington Council, where he has been installed to help untangle the fall-out from the local authority’s failed best value inspection, published in May.

Alexander will join from Reform-led Derbyshire County Council, where she has served since 2021.

On her new role, Alexander said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to join Tameside at such a pivotal time in the council’s improvement journey.

“I know Tameside has a talented and dedicated workforce and collective drive to do the best for residents and businesses, and I’m excited for the opportunity to be part of this and help the borough to further grow and thrive.”

Alexander arrives with regional experience, having worked as executive director of corporate and commercial services at Oldham Council up until 2016. She has also had stints at Trafford, Luton, and Leicester councils.

Harry Catherall, interim chief executive, Tameside Council, said: “We have not been willing to compromise for Tameside, ensuring we recommend the right person for the role, who will uphold the highest standards for our employees and residents alike.

“Having led the ‘one council’ culture change programme at Derbyshire, I know Emma is committed to carrying forward the great strides we have made in growing our own positive culture and being part of one team Tameside, all working to the same values.”

Catherall added that he would stay in post throughout a “seamless transition”, and hailed a “very successful year for Tameside” ahead.