Roger Ellis: Council Chief Executive retires

Roger Ellis

It is the end of an era at Rochdale Borough Council following the retirement of Chief Executive Roger Ellis after 12 years.

Mr Ellis stepped down on Friday 30 March following a career which spanned over 36 years, working for councils in Norwich, Preston, Oxford, Lancaster and Burnley where he was Chief Executive for seven years before joining Rochdale.

His time at Rochdale has seen him play a pivotal role in the ongoing regeneration of the Borough including major development work in Rochdale and Middleton town centres, substantial private sector investment at Kingsway and Heywood business parks and preparations for the arrival of Metrolink.

In recent years, he has also been a crucial figure in the council’s drive to achieve necessary spending cuts while still maintaining key frontline services for residents.

Paying tribute to Mr Ellis, Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “These are difficult times for local authorities across the country but Roger has shown great dedication in helping the Borough to meet the current challenges while planning for a prosperous and dynamic future.

“There is so much that has been achieved in the last 12 years including laying the foundations for regeneration and bringing about improvements in our schools.

“Public life is difficult and I want to place on record my gratitude to Roger for serving the area so well.”

Councillor Ashley Dearnley, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “Roger has brought in a terrific amount of money for regeneration and I’ve no doubt that we’ll see the benefits of his foresight in working with partners, particularly in the private sector.

“In addition his ability to analyse problems and get the message across in a clear way has been vital in helping councillors to take important decisions.”

Councillor Irene Davidson, speaking on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: “I have worked very closely with Roger, more so while I was deputy and leader of the council, and the expertise he has brought to the table has been exemplary.

“The projects that he has guided the Borough through are too many to mention, but I look forward to it all coming to fruition.

“Thank you Roger for all you brought to the Borough. I wish you a long and happy retirement.”

Council members and officers took the chance to say goodbye to Mr Ellis at a special event at Rochdale Town Hall.

While he may be retiring he is certainly intending to remain active and will be devoting much time to his loves of photography, canal boating and walking.

Mr Ellis said: “My time at Rochdale has been extremely rewarding and enjoyable and I would like to thank councillors and officers past and present for their dedication and support.

“Rochdale will always be a very special place to me and, although the Borough has experienced some tough times, the resilience and dynamism of its residents and the positive attitude, teamwork and helpfulness of staff and the council’s partners give me great optimism for the years to come.”