Eamonn Boylan dies aged 66
Widely viewed as one of the most influential civil servants of his generation, the former Greater Manchester Combined Authority chief executive has died after a short stay in hospital.
GMCA announced this afternoon that Eamonn Boylan, who was most recently interim chief executive at Homes England, has died aged 66 leaving behind his wife Maria and two sons.
- READ MORE: Tributes paid to Eamonn Boylan
A statement from the GMCA praised Boylan for leading Greater Manchester through the ‘defining years’ of English devolution from 2017 to 2024.
He stepped down as chief executive of the combined authority in 2024 and was succeeded by Caroline Simpson.
He was drafted in to replace Joanne Roney as Manchester City Council chief executive in the short-term the same year, before joining Homes England. In all, Boylan worked as a public servant for more than 40 years.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “This is a devastating loss, and my thoughts today are with Eamonn’s family, friends, and all those who knew him.
“Eamonn was the public servant’s public servant, and a giant of English devolution. He led from the front but was rarely in the spotlight, taking every opportunity to lift up and empower those around him.
“At the most crucial moment in Greater Manchester’s devolution journey, he took the foundations laid by past leaders and built it into an effective, efficient machine that continues to deliver. The fact that we are the UK’s fastest-growing city region is a testament to his leadership.
“For the seven years we worked together he was a source of great support, guidance, good humour, and friendship. I will always count myself fortunate to have worked alongside him.”
GMCA group chief executive Caroline Simpson said: “I am so deeply sorry for Eamonn’s family and loved ones, and for all of us that had the privilege of working closely with him through our careers.
“He was such an influential leader, in Greater Manchester and English devolution, and his impact cannot be overstated. But he was also an inspiration to so many people personally; a friend and a mentor whose massive intellect, humility, humour and kindness shone through every day.
“His dedication and his determination to get things done will leave a lasting legacy here. He will remain an indelible part of the fabric of our city region’s growth and success.”
Rest in peace. Another Manchester great gone. The city is great today because of these people
By Bob
Incredibly sad news, a committed public servant and part of a dwindling generation of people who led the regeneration of the North through their actions not just words.
By Anonymous
Very sad news
By Anonymous
Eamonn you were honored with the OBE for your hard work & commitment RIP 🙏
By Paul Joseph Dowling GMFRS
I worked a lot of places, private sector and public sector, for a lot of different Chief Executives. Of all of them, Eamonn is the only one that if I’d seen them walking toward me on the street at the weekend, I wouldn’t have ducked down a side street to avoid them.
By Former Public Servant
Taken too young..a great leader and a remarkable legacy. Eamonn brought people together, developed collaboration, supported so many. Characterful and the dryest wit, we won’t see his like again.
By NEM lad
Incredibly sad news. Eammon was great at his various jobs but above all he was a really good bloke.
By Steve
Working with Eamonn and learning from him has been a highlight of my time in public service. His ability to quietly, effectively and without fanfare make great things happen, even when they seemed impossible was awesome. That’s been my one word for Eamonn whenever anyone asked how he was to work with – Awesome.
By Sarah D
So cruel. He went back to Homes England and showed calm leadership and enormous expertise at a time of change and at a time of his life when he was entitled to take it easy. He was part of a small group of people who changed the narrative on Manchester and did much of the heavy lifting to make the job of Burnham and co. so much easier.
By Anonymous
What a very sad thing. As others have said, Eamonn played such an important, but quite role in the GM improvement story, but did it with great humility and fantastic wit. His influence will live on, as evidenced by the many kind words.
By Jim O'Neill
Sad news, and somewhat cruel after finally stepping back just recently – a true public servant to Manchester and the wider North. He was pretty demanding as a boss, but never in a dictatorial way – always open to a robust sensible debate. Didn’t see him as much after I left the NW, but will miss the wine chat and the City-Utd banter we always had whenever I saw him
By retired MCC staffer
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Eamonn Boylan.
Eamonn was a valued friend of the African Business Chamber (AfBC) and honoured us as a keynote speaker at the Manchester Business Forum. He was a strong advocate for an inclusive economy and a passionate supporter of greater diversity in the growth of the Greater Manchester economy.
His impact will not be forgotten, and we remain incredibly grateful for his support and leadership. Eamonn’s dedication to the Greater Manchester city-region was truly inspiring.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those across Greater Manchester who were touched by his work. He will be deeply missed.
May his soul rest in peace.
By Patrick Obidoyin
Met him a few times when he worked at Sheffield City Council. He was exactly what a leader should be.
By Anonymous
What a shock. Such a well known name and a great leader. My thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him.
By Anonymous
My thoughts are with Maria, Matthew and Connor, the wider family, friends and all of his ex colleagues.
Eamonn will be remembered for so many things – his intellect, leadership and humour along with his many, many contributions to making Manchester, Stockport and Greater Manchester a much better place.
Rest in Peace Eamonn.
By Eddie Smith