Manchester City Council said chief executive Joanne Roney CBE was stepping down to return to her native Birmingham to take on the new post of managing director of its council.

Manchester’s council did not name her successor. 

Roney has been chief executive of Manchester City Council since April 2017, during which time she presided over the council’s response to May 2017 Manchester Arena attack and the Covid-19 pandemic.  

As part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Roney also served as its lead officer on Skills, Education and Work for Greater Manchester.  

“I’ve loved my time in Manchester,” said Roney. “It’s a wonderful city and I’m proud of what – together with colleagues, partners and the city’s political leadership – we’ve been able to achieve here. Whoever follows me as chief executive is inheriting an incredible role alongside a talented and dedicated leadership team.”

Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Being chief executive of Manchester City Council is one of the best, arguably the best, jobs in local government.

“You get to be at the heart of our globally recognised, growing city shaping how services are delivered and how our people and businesses can share in inclusive success.

“But I understand the emotional pull the Birmingham job has for Joanne and we wish her every success in her new role as she moves back home. We thank her for her service and her contribution to the city over the last seven years.”

The council said the process of recruiting a new chief executive will start imminently.

Roney will serve a notice period as the recruitment process for a new Manchester City Council chief executive gets underway and join Birmingham City Council later in the year.