The deputy chief executive of Manchester City Council is to take over as the new chief executive of Trafford Council.
Subject to final approval at a council meeting next week, Sara Todd will take up her new role at the end of February after coming through a “rigorous” recruitment process.
Todd, 50, was born in East Manchester and educated in the city before graduating in at the University of Manchester.
She has worked in three other Greater Manchester councils during her career at Bolton, Oldham and Tameside, in a variety of planning, economic development and regeneration roles over the last 20 years.
Her current role at Manchester sees her cover a wide portfolio including responsibility for highways, waste and street cleaning, libraries, community safety, leisure, events together with HR, communications, policy, performance and research functions.
She will take over from Salford’s chief executive Jim Taylor, who has been working in a dual role at both councils since June.
Trafford Council Leader Andrew Western said: “We received applications from some high calibre people but Sara was the stand out candidate who impressed throughout the recruitment process and her appointment has the support of all political parties.
“There is no doubt local government continues to face many challenges but Sara has a wealth of experience and the skills we need to help make Trafford an even better place to live and work, and I am looking forward to working with her.”
Todd said: “This is a fantastic opportunity as these are exciting times at Trafford with so much happening across the borough. I am really looking forward to the challenge of improving the lives of residents and developing businesses.”
