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Mike Palin is set to be named interim chief executive at West Yorkshire Combined Authority.Palin will take over the role from Ben Still in November for a six-month term, subject to approval at a combined authority meeting later today.He was previously executive director of markets, partners and places at Homes England and has also served as chief executive of St Helens MBCWest Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: ‘Mike's experience of the public sector at a local, regional and national level, working across economic development, public service reform and housing, will be pivotal as we embark on an exciting new chapter in West Yorkshire's history.' Stockport MBC has made three new additions to its leadership team.Kathryn Rees, executive director for corporate and support services, has been appointed as deputy chief executive, succeeding Paul Richards.ark Glynn, currently director of place management, has been appointed executive director of place, while Catherine Chilvers, managing director of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation, will take on responsibility for regeneration and development.A spokesperson said: ‘Kathryn, Mark and Catherine are already making a huge contribution to Stockport, and these appointments recognise the experience, passion and leadership they bring.' Rob Tabb has been appointed as director of public service innovation at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.Tabb has worked for the authority for the past nine years and previously held positions at Knowsley MBC and Cheshire CC.He said: ‘We have strong foundations to build on, and a real chance to do things differently: focusing more on prevention, testing and scaling new ideas and working together around the needs of residents.‘I'm looking forward to getting started and helping to turn that ambition into practical change.'He has taken over from Jackie Wilding, who is retiring after almost 39 years at the authority. Preston City Council has announced the appointment of Lee Hurst as director of finance and city treasurer.He has taken over from Jackie Wilding, who is retiring after almost 39 years at the authority.Hurst joined Preston in March 2019 and was promoted to assistant director of financial services in 2020, having previously worked at South Lakeland DC, Chorley BC and South Ribble BC.Chief executive Adrian Phillips said: ‘I welcome Lee to the senior management team, and I'm sure he will succeed in the role, utilising all his local government experience and expertise in this field.' GLL has announced the appointment of Philip Donnay as chief executive and Andy Bindon as deputy chief executive, following the retirement of Peter Bundey.Donnay has previously held roles of finance director, chief finance officer and deputy chief executive at GLL.Bindon previously served as the organisation's HR director from 2002 to 2008 and rejoined GLL in 2019 as chief officer for change and values.Donnay said: ‘It's a privilege to lead GLL, an organisation I've been proud to be part of for three decades. I've watched it grow from a single London borough into a national social enterprise, and I've seen the difference our people make in communities every single day.' Public sector consultancy Roretti has expanded its leadership team.Emma McGowan has been appointed managing director, with founder Sanjay Mackintosh stepping up to become chief executive. Adam Walther will join the firm as a director in November, moving from Lambeth LBC, where he is assistant director for corporate delivery.Mackintosh said: ‘With Emma in the MD role and Adam joining, we have more senior people available to our clients and our team, just as we're seeing some of the biggest opportunities we've ever had.'

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Combined Authority names interim chief executive

By Martin Ford | 21 October 2026

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