Binks takes top job at Rochdale Council
James Binks will succeed Steve Rumbelow as chief executive.
Currently an assistant chief executive at Manchester City Council, 45-year-old Binks is excited to get started once Rochdale Council’s current head of paid service Rumbelow leaves later this year after more than a decade in post.
“It’s a fantastic honour and privilege to be given this opportunity,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the place, getting out and about in the borough, visiting different townships and wards, talking to people on the ground, and getting under the skin of things.
“I want to be a collaborative leader but also get to the next level of detail; working out where I can help to move things forward.”
A specialist in public service reform, Binks has been at Manchester City Council since 2011 when he joined from HM Treasury.
He was promoted to assistant chief executive in 2022.
Binks added: “In my current and previous roles I have been able to look at all parts of the system and work in different areas with a real focus on reform and transformation of services.
“What I find really fulfilling and exciting is the cross-cutting element; how all the different parts can come together and support each other.”
Cllr Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Council, said: “James was a very strong candidate with a fantastic record of achievement and I am excited about working with him as we continue improving all areas of our borough.
“We have achieved a lot over the past few years but we still have work to do and I’m sure James will help us realise even more of our ambitions.”
Why not somebody from Rochdale this guy won’t have a clue. As for public transport the whole infrastructure is all over greater Manchester not up to it !
By Fred
Wish James well – a wise appointment given Rochdale’s challenges.
Fred, it sounds like you ought to have applied yourself? I’m not convinced that living in an OL postcode trumps decades of experience in public sector reform from Whitehall to MCC, but clearly I’m stuck in the mud
By Anonymous