Birmingham to name Stella Manzie as Interim Chief Executive

A vastly experienced public servant, Ms Manzie has been chief executive at four major local authorities, was appointed to the Board of Her Majesty’s Treasury to contribute expertise about public service delivery and is a former senior civil servant with the Scottish Government.

Her appointment is expected to be confirmed at a meeting of the full city council on April 4.

She will remain in post until the council appoints a permanent Chief Executive.

Ms Manzie is a former chief executive of Coventry City Council and Barking and Dagenham Council, and was until last year Commissioner Managing Director of Rotherham MBC.

She has also been Director General Finance and Corporate Services, then Justice and Communities for the Scottish Government.

The appointment was recommended by a Birmingham City Council cross-party elected members’ appointments panel.

Councillor John Clancy, the leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is a crucial appointment and I am delighted with the progress we have made. Stella Manzie has a long and successful record of achievement at the top of local and national government.

“Stella’s career demonstrates an impressive record of driving transformation and change in four local authorities, as well as holding senior civil service positions with the Scottish Government.

“I am confident, subject to approval by the city council on April 4, that Stella will provide strong leadership as we embark on the search for a permanent Chief Executive.

“With other changes to senior management now in place, it is clear Birmingham City Council has an exceptionally strong team of officers to take us forward on the next stage of our improvement journey.”

Angela Probert will continue in her role as acting Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, until Ms Manzie’s appointment is ratified at Full Council.

The council has further strengthened its top team of officers:

Waheed Nazir, currently Acting Strategic Director Economy has been appointed Corporate Director Economy, while Jacqui Kennedy, currently Acting Strategic Director Place has been appointed Corporate Director Place.

With effect from March 31, Peter Hay, currently Strategic Director of People will be moving to alternative responsibilities and will leave Birmingham City Council. Peter’s post included responsibility for both Adult and Children Services.

As a result of recommendations from the Local Government Association (LGA), it is confirmed that Graeme Betts is engaged on an interim basis as the Corporate Director Adults and Health.

It is anticipated that Mr Betts will be in post for at least six months, depending on the outcome of a permanent recruitment exercise.

Mr Betts is currently Interim Managing Director Communities, Health and Adult Social Care, Buckinghamshire County Council.