The current Stockport Council Chief Executive has been named as preferred candidate to become new Group Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Transport for Greater Manchester
Caroline Simpson would join GMCA and TfGM after two years in top role at Stockport, and public sector career in Greater Manchester and across the UK
She has worked in housing, and regional development agencies in the North West and West Midlands. Her career started in the City of Liverpool delivering community-based regeneration projects, with a particular focus on work and skills.
Caroline Simpson said:
“Greater Manchester has cemented its position as the leading city-region when it comes to English devolution. That didn’t happen by accident, but is the result of the vision, the values, and the courage of civic leaders here to do things differently and put power back into the hands of our people and places.
“Our city-region is now on the cusp of transformational change – and my priority is to catalyse the collaboration and the partnerships that are essential to driving that change, whether that be on the local, national, or international stage.
“I am passionate about Greater Manchester’s devolution journey and our commitment to make this a greener, fairer, more prosperous city-region. It would be a privilege to work alongside local leaders and our communities to deliver that vision, and I’m excited to get on with the job.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:
“This is a role that comes with considerable expectations, and we were left in no doubt that Caroline is more than ready to meet them. She is one of the most outstanding members of a new generation of local government leaders, and a strong advocate for our city-region.
“She is highly capable and brings huge energy to everything she does. We would be delighted to have her leading Greater Manchester into an exciting new era.”
