Introduction of Tom Stannard, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council

Tom brings over 27 years of local government experience to his role leading one of the UK's largest Cities Manchester, an organisation of more than 8,000 staff, serving a fast-growing and diverse communtiy of over 630,000 people. Most recently Chief Executive of Salford City Council, where he oversaw transformative regeneration and award-winning performance, Tom is only the third person to hold this post in Manchester in more than 25 years.

Manchester, a major driver of growth across the Greater Manchester city region, a £100bn economy of over 3 million people with Tom playing a central role in shaping its future. He holds the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Chief Executive lead for economy, business and international affairs, making him a key figure in the city region's engagement with global partners, investors and visitors.

Tom is nationally recognised as a leading voice in local government, public service reform and inclusive growth. A Chartered Surveyor, he is Chair of the UK Institute of Economic Development and a Commissioner on the Living Wage Foundation.

He joins us as Manchester gears up to launch its 2025-2035 city strategy — an ambitious vision for a city that has always competed, and succeeded, on the global stage.