Boylan returns with interim Manchester chief executive role

Eamonn Boylan, former chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, will return to the world of public service for the city council starting at the end of August.

Boylan will serve as interim chief executive of Manchester City Council to help support the local authority as it looks for a successor to current chief executive Joane Roney, who is leaving to become managing director at Birmingham City Council. Roney’s last day is 5 September, a day that will include her appearance at Place North West’s Greater Manchester Development Update.

Boylan has more than 42 years of experience in the public sector, having ‘retired’ in June from his role at GMCA. His career has included being the deputy chief executive of Manchester City Council, chief executive of Stockport Council, and deputy chief executive of the National Housing Agency (now known as Homes England).

Reflecting on his upcoming interim role, Boylan said: “Manchester was a happy home for me for many years and as one of the most exciting cities and local authorities in the country, it’s a proud moment to come back to my old stomping ground and help lead this wonderful city.

“Manchester and Greater Manchester have been where I’ve spent the best years of my local government career – most recently at GMCA – and given I had always envisaged continuing to be part of local government after announcing my retirement, the opportunity to take up the interim chief executive role in Manchester was too good to miss,” he said.

• LISTEN: Boylan reflects on the highs and lows of his public service career

Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig spoke about why Boylan was a good fit for the role.

“Eamonn has proven leadership in key government roles both locally and nationally, and has the experience and insight to step into this interim role and ensure a seamless transition while we recruit a new permanent chief executive,” she said.

“He garners huge respect in both local and national government circles and has an intimate knowledge of our city and region – as well as a genuine love for our city that will steer us through the coming months.”

Craig also provided an update on the hunt for a new permanent chief executive, adding that the process is underway.

“We believe that the role of chief executive at Manchester City Council is the best job in local government – at the heart of this ambitious council and this world-class city,” she said. “We look forward to appointing a long-term chief executive, to help us achieve growth that benefits everyone while delivering good quality day-to-day services.”