The new chief executive of Salford City Council has been announced by Mayor Paul Dennett who said in his statement on Thursday 10th April 2025.
“I am now delighted to announce that we have appointed Stephen Young, who is currently Chief Executive at Halton Borough Council. We are currently working with Stephen to confirm a start date, but we expect this to be sometime in the autumn.
“As Chief Executive, Stephen will lead our organisation through the next phase of delivering for the people of Salford – supporting our communities, tackling inequality, and continuing to work in partnership with myself across the city and beyond.
“Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with over 30 years working in local government in a variety of roles, including 17 years in senior leadership roles and the last three years as Chief Executive. He has previously been Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transportation and Community Services at Lancashire County Council. Other key roles include Director of Place and Assistant Director of Development and Regeneration at Bolton Council, having started his public sector career as a Council Tax Recovery Officer at Burnley Borough Council in 1995.
“Stephen is an exciting appointment for our organisation. His views and approach to the public sector are firmly aligned with ours and his experience of working for a Combined Authority furnishes him with experience which will be invaluable to us, as we seek to ensure Salford’s voice is heard within our own Greater Manchester Combined Authority working.
“His broad experience across local authority services, including overseeing improvements in Children’s Services at Halton, will equip him to drive forward all our Corporate Plan priorities.”
Stephen said “Salford is an incredible city – full of energy, pride and potential. I’m honoured to step into the role of Chief Executive and to work with elected members, colleagues, partners, and communities to help drive forward our shared ambitions. There’s so much to be proud of, and even more to look forward to. We’re entering an exciting new chapter, and I can’t wait to meet everyone, get started, and deliver for this great city.”
Reacting to the appointment, DIB Group chair and chief executive, Frank McKenna said:
“This is an excellent appointment for Salford. Having worked with Stephen for many years, first in Lancashire and more recently in Halton, DIB members know what a talented and committed individual he is.
“He has been a local authority pioneer for the work of the charity Mindflow, and he has been a key official in the Liverpool City Region, driving forward the FDI strategy there. I know he will do a great job in his new role, and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with him.”
