In a move that will set the local authority up for the decade ahead, Manchester City Council has appointed Tom Stannard as its new CEO.
Stannard boasts 27 years of local government experience and joins from neighbouring Salford City Council where, for the past four years, he has helped regenerate the region while also overseeing the ambitious housebuilding programme and high-performing children’s services.
His CV includes senior posts in:
- Oldham
- Wakefield
- Blackburn with Darwen
- London boroughs
Immediate priorities
Stannard joins Manchester City Council as it presses ahead with its Our Manchester Strategy for 2025-2035.
This will build on current work, including the Making Manchester Fairer, housebuilding, and zero carbon programmes.
“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,” said Stannard, in response to his appointment.
He added: “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.”
Why he was chosen
Stannard was the city council’s unanimous choice, according to leader Cllr Bev Craig. “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 said.
She continued: “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.”
The incoming CEO also has a number of other current roles, including chair at the Institute of Economic Development, commissioner at the Living Wage Foundation, national spokesman for health and social care at SOLACE, as well as being a chartered surveyor.
Stannard becomes only the third CEO to take the reins at Manchester City Council in more than 25 years, with local leaders priding themselves on stability.
The city council says the new CEO was selected following a rigorous recruitment process. Eamonn Boylan will remain in post as the interim CEO until Stannard takes over early next year.
Image credit: Manchester City Council
