Rochdale Development Agency has appointed Rachel Laver as its new managing director, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in economic development and regeneration.
Rachel Laver joins the organisation with a background in delivering major public sector programmes across environmental, transport and education sectors. She has overseen projects valued at more than 50 million pounds and is recognised for delivering long term outcomes aligned with regional priorities.
She previously served as chief executive officer at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, where she focused on sustainability led investment, business growth and innovation. Before that, she was chief executive of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, where she led regeneration initiatives and developed low carbon programmes to support regional competitiveness.
Her appointment comes during a period of significant activity for the borough, with Rochdale Town of Culture 2025 highlighting its creative identity and community engagement. The borough is also strengthening its role within Greater Manchester through growth in advanced manufacturing and low carbon technologies.
Speaking to Roch Valley Radio, Paul Ormerod, chair of Rochdale Development Agency, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rachel Laver as the new Managing Director of the RDA. Her experience in regeneration, economic development and strategic programme delivery will be central to our mission as we write the next chapter of Rochdale’s growth.
With Rochdale Town of Culture showcasing the borough’s creative energy, a resilient and diverse business community, and transformational opportunities such as SMMC ahead, this is a place ready to lead with confidence. Rachel’s commitment to partnership working reflects our long standing tradition of co operation, while her track record in innovation and low carbon development aligns with the new wave of reindustrialisation across Greater Manchester. We look forward to working with her to move the borough forward with ambition, creativity and purpose.”
Rachel Laver said: “Joining RDA at such an exciting moment is a real honour. Rochdale is a borough shaped by its pioneers, co operation and resilience, these values will guide how we drive its future growth.
As Town of Culture, Rochdale has demonstrated the power of creativity to bring communities together and amplify its identity on a wider stage. Coupled with a strong business base and major strategic opportunities such as SMMC, the borough is poised for a new era of high value jobs, investment and sustainable growth.
I look forward to working with partners across Greater Manchester to build on this momentum and contribute to the region’s wider reindustrialisation story.”
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