New Council Chief Executive Steve Rumbelow ready to create ‘real change’ in Rochdale

Steve Rumbelow

The new Chief Executive of Rochdale Council, Steve Rumbelow is ready to make a real change in Rochdale and intends to help with the economic drive of Rochdale Town Centre when he starts.

Mr Rumbelow, who was recently offered the position of Chief Executive at Rochdale Council, decided to take the job because of the “great opportunity” it offers.

Speaking to Rochdale Online regarding his new position he said: “It seemed like a great opportunity. It is going to be a challenge but there are real opportunities to see the future and economic growth of Rochdale develop.”

Mr Rumbelow has worked in local government for over 30 years. To take up his position at Rochdale Council, he will be leaving Burnley Borough Council where he has been working since 2006. He was also previously a Strategic Director for Manchester City Council with responsibility for housing strategy and regeneration.

Mr Rumbelow added: “I think the first thing I will have to do is learn about the place. I have done a lot of research during the recruitment process but I know I will need to do more to find out what people want and what people expect.”

With Rochdale in the middle of re-development, Mr Rumbelow will be focusing a lot of his attention on the regeneration of Rochdale Town Centre.

He said: “I know there is a lot of interest in the re-development plans and I know the Leader of the Council is keen for me to focus and drive forward the regeneration. It is about real change for the area. With re-development you need space and I know this is something that Rochdale has to offer. With re-development comes jobs and again, I know this is something people want. I am not looking at a blank canvas, I know there has been a lot of hard work done by the council and other organisations so now it is about driving it forward.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell recently described Mr Rumbelow as a “bright star of local government”.

In response to the compliment, Mr Rumbelow said: “It certainly means I am going to have to work hard. It is a nice thing for him to say.”

Mr Rumbelow will become the fourth Chief Executive at Rochdale Council in the last three years. He will be replacing Acting Chief Executive Linda Fisher who is leaving Rochdale to take up a post at Wigan Council. She stepped into the role in April when Jim Taylor left for a job at Salford Council who in turn took over from Roger Ellis.

A start date has not yet been confirmed for Mr Rumbelow but he is keen to start as soon as possible.

“I am not exactly sure when I will be coming but I know discussions are being had regarding my start date. Obviously I have a few things here [Burnley Council] that I need to finish before I leave but I am keen to start as soon as possible,” added Mr Rumbelow.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/91919/steve-rumbelow-to-be-new-council-chief-executive