Manchester City Council’s Strategic Director of Development, Louise Wyman, is to leave her role with the local authority at the end of April.
She took up the role during the first lockdown and has been responsible for the city’s strategic development resilience throughout the pandemic and has led the response to Covid-19, developing a robust strategy of economic recovery.
Based in the Midlands prior to taking the role in Manchester, Louise has reflected on the last year and concluded that she wants to be closer to family.
Ms Wyman’s view is that the Strategic Director role needs someone to be present and active in the city, driving the economic recovery, investment and growth plans.
Interim arrangements for the position will be put in place in due course.
Commenting, Ms Wyman said: “I’ve made the decision to leave Manchester City Council towards the end of April. It has been a genuine privilege to be Strategic Director for Growth and Development for the past year and lead a brilliant team of talented, dedicated and enterprising colleagues.
“I’m proud of the plans we’ve put in place, with partners across the city, to drive Manchester’s economic recovery and secure future investment. Despite the challenges of working through a pandemic, we’ve continued to drive transformational projects for the city, such as: Victoria North, Mayfield, Eastern Gateway and the new arena.
“A clear transition plan to bring our ALMO [arms-length management organisation] Northwards back into the council in July 2021 is now in place. Real progress is also underway to decarbonise our corporate estate to meet our zero carbon ambitions.
“Manchester’s property market has shown true resilience over the past year and with robust plans in place, the city is well positioned to recover from Covid-19.
“It’s now time for me to move on, but I wish my fantastic colleagues, our partners and the amazing city of Manchester every success in the future.”
Leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese added: "This past year has urged many of us to reflect and consider what in our lives we hold most dear and where we should focus our energies.
“Although we're sad to lose a member of our senior team, her decision to prioritise family at this time is one that we very much respect.
"Louise's legacy from her albeit brief tenure at Manchester City Council will be felt for years to come, as we embrace her economic recovery plans that will help ensure the city's success beyond the pandemic."
