Tameside Council has unanimously elected Emma Alexander as its next chief executive.
Currently holding the position of chief executive at Derbyshire County Council, Alexander is set to replace interim chief executive Harry Catherall come November.
At a Dukinfield Town Hall meeting, Council leader Cllr Eleanor Wills celebrated the appointment as 'the beginning of a renewed purpose' for the borough.
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Cllr Wills, while endorsing the new chief executive's selection, said: "It's important to say that this is a significant period for Tameside and we had a rigorous recruitment process. It really was a great process that we went through to make sure we got the right person for Tameside.
"Today marks a turning point for our journey together. One defined not simply by the passing of time or policy, but by leadership, leadership that understands, evolves and uplifts.
"Our new chief executive brings with them not just experience, but vision and not just a CV, but a calling. Their leadership is rooted in inclusion, service and strategic foresight.
"Emma has demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique social and economic fabric of Tameside. Her readiness is clear and her enthusiasm is contagious."
Councillors expressed their gratitude to Harry Catherall for his tenure as interim chief executive on July 15, with the council leader acknowledging his 'legacy of calm in crisis', following his move from Oldham Council.
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Mr Catherall has held the position of council chief since the previous autumn, succeeding Sandra Stewart who resigned from her £184,767 per annum role in October 2024 amidst scrutiny over the council's underperforming children's services.
The incoming chief executive will have a salary cap of £198,000 annually. Emma Alexander brings with her a wealth of experience garnered from working within large-scale, complex organisations.
Her track record includes leading efforts that resulted in a 'good' rating for children's services in 2023 and a similar accolade for adult social care in 2024.
She earlier served at neighbouring Oldham Council as executive director of corporate and commercial services until 2016, before moving on to Trafford Council where she held the post of corporate director until 2009.
Ahead of the forthcoming town hall meeting, Ms Alexander said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to join Tameside at such a pivotal time in the council's improvement journey.
"I know Tameside has a talented and dedicated workforce and collective drive to do the best for residents and businesses and I'm excited for the opportunity to be part of this and help the borough to further grow and thrive.
"It's also great to be returning to the Greater Manchester family where I know there is a shared commitment to supporting economic growth and supporting everyone to live a good life."