Stannard named Manchester City Council chief executive
Tom Stannard will leave Salford City Council to join the neighbouring authority as Joanne Roney’s replacement.
Stannard, who joined Salford City Council in 2020, will become Manchester City Council’s chief executive in the new year, pending formal approval.
Eamonn Boylan will remain in interim charge until then.
“This is an exceptional role in an incredible city,” Stannard said of his new role.
“I’ve spent a significant part of my career living and working in Greater Manchester and have a deep commitment to the city and its people. I’m eager to start work on the next chapter alongside [Manchester City Council Leader] Cllr Bev Craig and all elected members.”
During his four-year tenure at Salford City Council, Stannard consistently highlighted the importance of inclusive growth, something that he will continue to push for in his new role.
“Manchester is a city which is competing on a global stage and successfully attracting investment, jobs, and visitors and it’s important that we continue to maximise those strengths,” he said.
“Just as crucial is that the growth generated benefits the whole city, and I know that’s something the council is already working on and determined to achieve. While being unapologetically ambitious for the city’s global future, I won’t lose focus on the need to deliver excellent day-to-day services for Manchester people in the here and now.”
The recruitment process for Manchester’s new chief executive began earlier this year when Joanne Roney – CEO since 2017 – moved to Birmingham City Council.
Stannard, whose 27-year career includes stints at Oldham, Wakefield, and Blackburn with Darwen councils, was the standout candidate for the Manchester job, according to Craig.
“This is a big job and we know the chief executive of Manchester is one of the most coveted positions in local government,” she said.
“Tom was our unanimous choice in a highly competitive selection process. He is a nationally respected voice in local government with an impressive CV and a track record of delivery across regeneration, inclusive growth, and improving council services.
She added: “We were impressed by his energy and passion, his clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Manchester, and his ideas for the future. He is already a well-known figure in Greater Manchester and beyond and we are confident that he will help us improve the city over the next decade.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett praised Stannard for his work in the city. Dennett said: “We wish Tom every success in his new role. It comes after helping to lead the delivery of a number of significant achievements in Salford including our children’s services being judged as the best-performing services in the North West, and significant growth in the city.”
Dennett added: “We look forward to continuing a strong working relationship with Tom in his new role and with colleagues in Manchester. We will confirm next steps with regards to the recruitment of Tom’s successor in due course.”
“Inclusive growth” -inherent in the job description you would expect. Signalling nonsense.
By Anonymous
Inspired appointment. Tom talks the talk & walks the walk. Reassuring news for the next few years at Manchester
By Anonymous
I wonder how Salford feel about this? Do they get a transfer fee?
By Anonymous
The right choice for Manchester. Tom has a great ability to make good calls on big decisions, creating the right environment for investment. At Manchester he has a unique challenge of doing on the global level, whilst creating a better city for residents. I expect a bigger and better Manchester and for Salford to continue to grow and compete alongside. Exciting times for GM.
By Dino
Exciting times for Manchester with the appointment of Tom. Manchester’s gain is very much Salford’s loss but no doubt he’ll be an outstanding ally for those across the river.
By Anonymous
I had the pleasure of working with Tom at Blackburn with Darwen Council many years ago. He brought so much to the Borough in his time there and was much missed by his staff. We’ve all missed his Lake District walk stories as well! All the best Tom!
By Neil Rodgers
A fantastic steal for Manchester and it’s Cityzens
By Dave Hudson
So much to do across the city but the right man at the helm to “action” things.
By Tom Flanagan
Lovely and buzzing in parts but would you class Manchester as a global city, akin to Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, London? Not sure.
By Anonymous
Never stays long in one place and “his” Salford achievements are lacking
Very good at Corporate spin and self promotion but hasn’t been very effective at driving required service improvements and taking Salford forward.
Salford now has the chance to get someone who will is truly committed to the City long term and better focussed on service delivery
By Anonymous
I wouldn’t consider Berlin a global city either, it’s a dump
By Anonymous
A true inspiration for many amidst some difficult recent times in the Local Government arena
By Brain Bailey
I can only concur with the majority of comments made already. A well considered appointment by the City of Manchester with superb credentials.
By Ian Richardson