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New chief executive looking to build on Rochdale's record of success

Thursday, 23 January 2025 16:45

By David Murphy

Councillors at Rochdale Borough Council have voted to appoint James Binks as the new chief executive of the organisation.

James, currently an assistant chief executive at Manchester City Council, will replace the outgoing Steve Rumbelow, who is stepping down after 10 years in the role. He will also assume the role of NHS Greater Manchester (GM) place lead for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.

“It’s a fantastic honour and privilege to be given this opportunity,” James said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the place, getting out and about in the borough, visiting different townships and wards, talking to people on the ground, getting under the skin of things. I want to be a collaborative leader but also get to the next level of detail; working out where I can help to move things forward.”

James’s work at Manchester City Council included policy, public service reform and devolution. Prior to that he worked in government at the Treasury and this experience has given him a strong interest in working across different service areas to deliver improved outcomes.

The 45-year-old added: “In my current and previous roles I have been able to look at all parts of the system and work in different areas with a real focus on reform and transformation of services. What I find really fulfilling and exciting is the cross-cutting element; how all the different parts can come together and support each other.”

For the past 13 years the married father of two has played a key role in Greater Manchester’s devolution programme, helping the region to become one of the UK’s leaders in this area as more powers and resources have been gradually shifted away from London.

Councillor Neil Emmott, the leader of the council, is also looking forward to working with James. He said: “James was a very strong candidate with a fantastic record of achievement and I am excited about working with him as we continue improving all areas of our borough. We have achieved a lot over the past few years but we still have work to do and I’m sure James will help us realise even more of our ambitions.”

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