Steve Rumbelow to leave role as chief executive of Rochdale Council

Steve Rumbelow is stepping down from his role of chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council

After a decade in the role, Steve Rumbelow has announced his decision to bow out as chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council. He joined the council in 2014 from Burnley Borough Council, where he also served as chief executive.

His experience includes roles at Manchester City Council, Leeds City Council, Ashfield District Council, and Rotherham Borough Council. The council said his dedication and vision have significantly shaped the borough of Rochdale.

Reflecting on his time at Rochdale, Mr Rumbelow said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together but now feels like the right time to pass the torch and seek new projects.

"I’ve had a wonderful experience in Rochdale, and I’m grateful for the support from our councillors, staff, and all the teams who work tirelessly to drive our borough forward. I will do my utmost to ensure my successor has a solid foundation to continue our progress.”

During his tenure, Mr Rumbelow oversaw the completion of several major projects, including the Atom Valley growth plan, the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure development, the Heywood link road, and the restoration of Rochdale Town Hall.

He also led the borough’s joint NHS and council response to the coronavirus pandemic, serving as Greater Manchester’s lead for the procurement of personal protective equipment.

The council said that Mr Rumbelow played a vital role in strengthening the council's partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), where he served as the lead chief officer for housing and planning across the city region. This included helping to guide the Places for Everyone (PfE) spatial plan through to adoption.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: “I want to thank Steve for his unwavering service to our borough. His calmness under pressure, energy, and profound understanding of local government have been invaluable assets for us all. I am very sad to be losing his expertise and insight.”

The recruitment process for Mr Rumbelow's successor will begin following a full council meeting on 16 October, where members will be asked to approve the appointment of a new chief executive. A specific departure date has not yet been set, but it will be in the first half of next year when a successor is selected.