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HE WILL TAKE OVER FROM OUTGOING CHIEF EXECUTIVE STEVE RUMBLELOW LATER THIS YEAR 15:18, 23 Jan 2025 James Binks has been named as the next chief executive for rochdale-council>Rochdale
Council. The incoming town hall boss currently works as the assistant chief executive at Manchester City Council. The 45-year-old will take over from Steve Rumblelow, who is stepping down
after 10 years at the helm. A formal decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting of the council on Wednesday night (January 22). Councillors gathered in Number One Riverside voted to
appoint the new chief executive, who will take charge later this year. In October last year, Steve Rumbelow announced his decision to bow out as chief executive after starting the role in
2014. The job was advertised at the end of 2024 with an annual salary of up to £200,000. Mr Binks said: “It’s a fantastic honour and privilege to be given this opportunity. 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. Article
continues below “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. “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.” 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. Article
continues below Coun Neil Emmott, leader of the council, 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.”
An exact timeline of when the current council boss leaves and when Mr Binks arrives has not been confirmed.