Trafford names Todd as chief executive

Sara Todd, deputy chief executive at Manchester City Council, will take up the reins at Trafford Council next year, replacing Theresa Grant.

Todd will take up her role in February 2019 from Salford chief executive Jim Taylor, who has been filling in on an interim basis after Grant left in July this year; Grant departed around two months after the council changed from Conservative to Labour leadership following local elections in May.

A planner by background, Todd has previously worked for Bolton, Oldham, and Tameside councils in a range of planning, economic development, and regeneration roles.

She is currently deputy chief executive at Manchester City Council working under chief executive Joanne Roney; for the council, she currently has a responsibility for areas including highways, waste and street cleaning, libraries, leisure, and events. Her appointment

Leader of Trafford Council Cllr Andrew Western said: “We received applications from some high calibre people but Sara was the stand out candidate who impressed throughout the recruitment process and her appointment has the support of all political parties.

“There is no doubt local government continues to face many challenges but Sara has a wealth of experience and the skills we need to help make Trafford an even better place to live and work, and I am looking forward to working with her.”

Todd added: “This is a fantastic opportunity as these are exciting times at Trafford with so much happening across the borough. I am really looking forward to the challenge of improving the lives of residents and developing businesses.”