Salford city council

Salford City Council has appointed a new chief executive to replace Jim Taylor, who will be retiring in early 2021.

Tom Stannard will be taking on the position and will work closely with the City Mayor, Paul Dennett, to transform vital services in the region.

Stannard has worked for Wakefield Council as Corporate Director for Regeneration and Economic Growth since 2018 and chaired the Leeds City Region Directors of Development Board, in which he helped to secure and implement the £1.8 billion West Yorkshire devolution deal.

On the announcement of his appointment, Stannard said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as the new chief executive at Salford City Council, and energized at the opportunity to return to Greater Manchester and join Salford’s City Mayor Paul Dennett leading one of the most progressive and high achieving city councils in the country.

“I have been so impressed with the council’s positive community-focused culture, and I’m looking forward to joining the City Mayor, councillors, staff and partners to support communities in the city, fight through the COVID-19 pandemic and continue the journey towards an inclusive economy, with affordable housing and well-paid jobs.

“It is a hugely exciting role and I cannot wait to get started.”

The elected City Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, has expressed his support and said via Twitter: “I’m delighted to announce that Tom Stannard has been appointed chief executive here in Salford, to build on the achievements and great work under Jim Taylor’s leadership.”

He also has sent out thanks to Jim Taylor, who announced his plans to retire from the role in August this year.

After almost 40 years of public service and 6 years as Chief Executive, Taylor plans to focus on spending more time with family and friends.

He said: “Salford is welcoming; a unique city with extraordinary colleagues serving amazing people. It is a city of outstanding opportunity and I am privileged to have been given this role.

“This is Salford’s time and there has always been a genuine sense of the ‘Spirit of Salford’, especially demonstrated during these last few months.”

The Council are holding a meeting tomorrow to formally accept Stannard into the job role, ready for him to begin work on 1st February.

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