After a decade in the role, Steve Rumbelow has announced his decision to bow out as chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council.
Joining the council in 2014 from Burnley Borough Council, where he also served as chief executive, Steve has had a distinguished career in local government. His extensive experience includes key roles at Manchester City Council, Leeds City Council, Ashfield District Council, and Rotherham Borough Council. With over 40 years in the field, his dedication and vision have significantly shaped the borough of Rochdale.
Reflecting on his time at Rochdale, Steve said:
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together but now feels like the right time to pass the torch and seek new projects. I’ve had a wonderful experience in Rochdale, and I’m grateful for the support from our councillors, staff, and all the teams who work tirelessly to drive our borough forward. I will do my utmost to ensure my successor has a solid foundation to continue our progress.”
During his tenure, Steve oversaw the completion of several major projects, including the Atom Valley growth plan, the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure development, the Heywood link road, and the restoration of Rochdale Town Hall. Notably, he led the borough’s joint NHS and council response to the coronavirus pandemic, serving as Greater Manchester’s lead for the procurement of personal protective equipment.
Steve has also played a vital role in strengthening the council’s partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), where he served as the lead chief officer for housing and planning across the city region. This included helping to guide the Places for Everyone (PfE) spatial plan through to adoption.
