Oldham CEO to stay put after search for successor fails 

Harry Catherall had intended to retire at the end of 2023 but will now continue in the role for two more years after the hunt for his replacement did not unearth a suitable heir. 

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said she is delighted Catherall will remain as chief executive, a role that he has held since 2021. 

“Over the last few months we have been undergoing a recruitment process for Oldham’s next chief executive,” Shah said. 

“While we did have a good field of candidates, we felt the level of experience didn’t meet the level of our aspirations and ambitions.” 

Oldham Council’s appointment committee has today decided to halt the recruitment process and backed Catherall to continue until 2026. 

“Happily, I have had discussions with Harry and he has been delighted to agree to continue to lead the organisation as chief executive, with some changes to his working arrangements,” Shah said. 

Over the next two years, Oldham Council will look to identify and develop Catherall’s successor. 

Shah added: “I’m incredibly excited about the future for Oldham Council and for the borough, and know that this decision puts us in the best possible position to keep driving forward our priorities, and improvements, at pace.” 

Catherall, who is 60, has worked in local government for 40 years, including roles at Blackburn with Darwen and St Helens Council.