Former Oldham Council executive director of corporate and commercial service set to be appointed in Tameside

The next chief executive of Tameside Council is set to be appointed next week.

Emma Alexander, who is currently chief executive of Derbyshire County Council, has been recommended for the role. A vote will take place at the next full council meeting on Tuesday, July 15 to confirm her into the job.  

If approved, she will be the next permanent chief executive since Sandra Stewart – who quit the  £184,767-a-year job in October 2024 following pressure relating to the council’s failing children’s services.

Pictured above: Sandra Stewart, former chief executive at Tameside Council.

There is hope that Ms Alexander will be able to start as chief executive in Tameside in November, replacing interim chief executive Harry Catherall. Mr Catherall joined the council last October as a temporary measure to bring stability and leadership during a period of change.

Emma Alexander has a wealth of experience of working in large scale, complex organisations. This experience included providing leadership to support the achievement of a ‘good’ rating for children’s services in 2023 and a ‘good’ rating for adult social care in 2024.

The prospective council boss has previously worked at neighbouring Oldham Council until 2016 as executive director of corporate and commercial services and Trafford Council until 2009 as corporate director, among her various senior public sector roles.

Emma Alexander said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to join Tameside at such a pivotal time in the council’s improvement journey. 

“I know Tameside has a talented and dedicated workforce and collective drive to do the best for residents and businesses and I’m excited for the opportunity to be part of this and help the borough to further grow and thrive.

“It’s also great to be returning to the Greater Manchester family where I know there is a shared commitment to supporting economic growth and supporting everyone to live a good life.”

Tameside Council leader, Cllr Eleanor Wills added: “Emma was a unanimous decision by our appointments panel, and we’re excited at the prospect of her joining our team here in Tameside, bringing further expertise and stability and leading on delivering our priorities and ambitions, improving the lives of local residents and building a confident and resilient future together.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Harry for his valued support and guidance since joining us as Interim chief executive last year. 

“Since then, we have worked closely together and achieved great strides as an authority – both internally through our culture, processes and setting out our clear ambitions, and outwardly delivering improved services for our residents.

“I’m also proud to be part of the Greater Manchester family who have supported us during what has been a transitional time, helping us to secure Harry as our interim chief executive and clearly seeing the potential and strengths in the borough as we look towards the longer term.”