Manchester City Council has named Tom Stannard as its new permanent chief executive, poaching neighbouring Salford’s leader.

Stannard has been chief executive of Salford City Council for the past four years, overseeing regeneration of the city and a large council housebuilding programme. He has more than 27 years of experience in local government including senior posts in Oldham, Wakefield, Blackburn with Darwen and London boroughs.

He will become only the third chief executive to take the reins at Manchester City Council in more than a quarter of a century. Manchester said Stannard is nationally recognised as a leading voice in local government, public service reform and delivering inclusive growth and currently holds the lead CEO brief for Greater Manchester in the economy, business and international portfolio.

Stannard is a Chartered Surveyor, Chair of the UK Institute of Economic Development, Commissioner for the UK Living Wage Foundation and National Spokesman for Health and Social Care for SOLACE (The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers.)

He joins as Manchester City Council gears up for its 2025-2035 Our Manchester Strategy, which will guide the city for the next 10 years, which aims to ensure economic growth that benefits everyone, including through the city’s ambitious Making Manchester Fairer, housebuilding and zero carbon programmes.

Stannard is expected to join Manchester City Council early in the New Year. Eamonn Boylan will remain in post as interim chief executive until then.

Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said: “This is a big job and we know the chief executive of Manchester is one of the most coveted positions in local government. That’s why I’m delighted that we’re appointing Tom Stannard — someone who shares our pride in the city and ambition to deliver for our residents.”

“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.

“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.”

Stannard said: “This is an exceptional role in an incredible city. 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 Cllr Craig and all elected members.

“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. 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.”