Stockport town hall boss Pam Smith is leaving to take up the top job at Newcastle City Council.
Ms Smith, who has headed up the authority for the last four years, will be confirmed as Newcastle’s new chief executive at a full council meeting on Wednesday night.
She was unanimously recommended for the post by a panel seeking a successor to outgoing boss Pat Richie.
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It is understood Ms Smith will take the reins at the civic centre in the new year, on a salary of between £172,753 and £188,948.
In a statement, she said it had been her ‘absolute privilege to serve the residents of Stockport’ as the council’s chief executive - and would continue to give ‘100 per cent’ effort while she remained in post.
She said: “It has been an honour throughout this period to be able to work with committed and passionate elected members and MPs, creative and committed partners across all sectors within the borough and across Greater Manchester, and with council colleagues who care deeply about what they do for the residents of Stockport day in and day out.
“Whilst I will be incredibly sorry to leave a borough I love, I know that the council and the borough are in safe hands as everyone continues to work together and to strive for the best possible outcomes for Stockport’s residents.”
Stockport council leader Elise Wilson has paid tribute to Ms Smith’s crucial contribution to the borough over recent years.
She said: “Since 2017 when Pam joined Stockport council as chief executive, she has played a vital role in driving forward the ambitions and profile for our borough and leading the council’s workforce with vision and compassion.
“She has also been key to Stockport’s continued strong position in Greater Manchester through her work with the GMCA, most recently through her role as lead chief executive for age-friendly Greater Manchester, equalities and green city region.
“In particular, she has most recently steered the council through the coronavirus pandemic with calm, empathy and most importantly, the wellbeing of Stockport residents at the forefront of her thinking.”
Coun Wilson said the council would start the process of recruiting her successor ‘immediately’.
She added: “I am more than confident in the capabilities of our existing senior leadership team to continue delivering the priorities and ambitions of the council, through this period of change.”
Wednesday's Newcastle City Council meeting will be webcast on the authority's website from 6pm.
