Bury selects Ridsdale to replace outgoing CEO

Lynne Ridsdale will be promoted from her current role as deputy chief executive when Geoff Little retires next year after 45 years in local government. 

As well as taking over as Bury Council chief executive, Ridsdale will take on Little’s responsibilities as place-based lead for Bury’s Health and Care Partnership. 

Ridsdale joined Bury in 2018 from Manchester City Council where she was director of human resources and organisational development.  

Before that, she held the same role with the National Crime Agency, and previously worked as an assistant director at Bolton Council. 

“I am delighted that Lynne is set to become our new chief executive,” said Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council. 

“I look forward to working with her to deliver the council’s priorities and fulfil our ambitions for Bury in the years ahead: from regenerating our town centres, growing our economy, tackling deprivation and health inequalities and improving people’s skills.” 

Ridsdale, who will become Bury Council’s first permanent female chief executive, said she is looking forward to “continuing the journey we’re on to make Bury the best place in which to live, work, study and do business.”  

“Key to this will be working with our many partners and with the borough’s residents to create and sustain a thriving Bury we can all be rightly proud of,” she added.