Louise Wyman who has held the post for the last year has announced that she will leave Manchester City Council at the end of April.
Louise took up the role during the first lockdown and has been responsible for the city’s strategic development resilience throughout the pandemic, and has led the response to Covid developing a robust strategy of economic recovery.
Based in the Midlands prior to taking the role in Manchester, Louise has reflected on the last year and concluded that she wants to be closer to family. Louise’s view is that the strategic director role needs someone to be present and active in the city, driving the economic recovery, investment and growth plans.
Interim arrangements for the Strategic Director of Development role will be put in place in due course.
Louise said:
“I’ve made the decision to leave Manchester City Council towards the end of April. It has been a genuine privilege to be Strategic Director for Growth and Development for the past year and lead a brilliant team of talented, dedicated and enterprising colleagues.
“I’m proud of the plans we’ve put in place, with partners across the city, to drive Manchester’s economic recovery and secure future investment. Despite the challenges of working through a pandemic we’ve continued to drive transformational projects for the city such as: Victoria North, Mayfield, Eastern Gateway and the new Arena. A clear transition plan to bring our ALMO Northwards back into the Council in July 2021 is now in place. Real progress in also underway to decarbonise our corporate estate to meet our zero carbon ambitions.
“Manchester’s property market has shown true resilience over the past year and with robust plans in place, the city is well positioned to recover from Covid-19. It’s now time for me to move on but I wish my fantastic colleagues, our partners and the amazing city of Manchester every success in the future.”
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This past year has urged many of us to reflect and consider what in our lives we hold most dear and where we should focus our energies. Although we’re sad to lose a member of our senior team, her decision to prioritise family at this time is one that we very much respect.
“Louise’s legacy from her albeit brief tenure at Manchester City Council will be felt for years to come, as we embrace her economic recovery plans that will help ensure the city’s success beyond the pandemic.”
Joanne Roney OBE, Manchester City Council’s Chief Executive, said: “Although Louise has been with us for a short time, the work that she has led will be crucial to Manchester and I can’t thank her enough for her time with us.
“Louise’s contribution to an economic recovery strategy and roadmap out of the pandemic will continue to guide the future prosperity of the city for years to come. And under her watch, her teams have driven – and will continue to drive – some exemplar development projects, including Mayfield and Victoria North. While at the same time bringing the management of Council-owned social housing back under the care of the City Council.
“Louise has brought passion and dedication to her role and to the city and we wish her the very best for the future.”
