A new permanent chief executive for Tameside Council has been appointed at the full council meeting on Tuesday  15^th July.

Emma Alexander, who is currently Chief Executive of Derbyshire County Council, has been recommended for the role following a carefully considered process involving senior leaders, elected members, staff, and local and regional partners.

Emma will be able to start her role in Tameside towards the start of November this year, replacing Interim Chief Executive Harry Catherall who joined Tameside last October as a temporary measure to bring stability and leadership during a period of change.

Emma has a deep understanding of local government and brings with her a wealth of experience of working in large scale, complex organisations with a clear passion for improving outcomes for local people – this has included providing leadership to support the achievement of a “Good” rating for children’s services in 2023 and a “Good” rating for Adult Social Care in 2024.

She has also previously worked at neighbouring Oldham Council until 2016 as Executive Director of Corporate and Commercial Services and Trafford Council until 2009 as Corporate Director, among her various senior public sector roles.

Tameside Council Leader Cllr Eleanor Wills said: “Emma was a unanimous decision by our appointments panel, and we’re excited at the prospect of her joining our team here in Tameside, bringing further expertise and stability and leading on delivering our priorities and ambitions, improving the lives of local residents and building a confident and resilient future together.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Harry for his valued support and guidance since joining us as Interim Chief Executive last year. Since then, we have worked closely together and achieved great strides as an authority – both internally through our culture, processes and setting out our clear ambitions, and outwardly delivering improved services for our residents.

“I’m also proud to be part of the Greater Manchester family who have supported us during what has been a transitional time, helping us to secure Harry as our Interim Chief executive and clearly seeing the potential and strengths in the borough as we look towards the longer term.”

Tameside Council Interim Chief Executive Harry Catherall said: “This is a really positive step for us as an organisation – we have not been willing to compromise for Tameside, ensuring we recommend the right person for the role, who will uphold the highest standards for our employees and residents alike. Having led the ‘one council’ culture change programme at Derbyshire, I know Emma is committed to carrying forward the great strides we have made in growing our own positive culture and being part of one team Tameside, all working to the same values.

“I, of course, will continue in post as interim Chief Executive and I’m committed to a smooth and seamless transition. If approval goes ahead at full council, we will see this appointment mark the end of a very successful year for Tameside and long may it continue.”  

Emma Alexander said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to join Tameside at such a pivotal time in the council’s improvement journey. I know Tameside has a talented and dedicated workforce and collective drive to do the best for residents and businesses and I’m excited for the opportunity to be part of this and helping the borough to further grow and thrive.

“It’s also great to be returning the Greater Manchester family where I know there is a shared commitment to supporting economic growth and supporting everyone to live a good life.”