Muse strengthens North West leadership with senior promotions

Following a successful year for the team, nationwide placemaker, Muse, has announced a series of promotions in the North West.

The regeneration specialist is Stockport Council’s development partner on Stockport Exchange, and as ECF, is also involved in delivering the Stockport 8 neighbourhood in the town centre, as well as a range of other major schemes throughout the North West.

After two years in post, Director of Project Management for the North West region, Stuart Rogers, has been promoted into the newly created national senior leadership role of Operations Director within the business.

In his position he will be responsible for driving high-quality standards for delivery across the whole business – with a focus on overseeing and optimising the day-to-day operational activities of the company. This includes a strengthening of Muse partnership approach, with robust national strategic relationships with supply chain, contractors and consultants integral to the business as it looks to convert its strong pipeline to delivery.

Stepping up into Stuart’s position will be Technical Director at Muse – North West, Alan McBride. Alan currently manages governance and compliance for Muse’s projects in the region, with a particular focus on leading efforts at Talbot Gateway, Blackpool, in partnership with Blackpool Council.

Meanwhile, Max Bentham has been promoted to the position of Director of Development Management for the North West. Since joining in April 2021, he has played a key role in driving forward several placemaking visions. This includes the £2.5 billion Crescent Salford masterplan which is being delivered by ECF, the placemaking partnership between Muse, L&G and Homes England, alongside Salford City Council and the University of Salford.

After several successful years with the business, Sarah Chicken has also been promoted to Senior Development Manager. With a raft of experience in the industrial and logistics sector, Sarah has been instrumental in the promotion of WestOnM6 over the last two years, delivering a material land sale last year and progressing towards delivery of Phase 2.  

The promotions come off the back of the team’s contribution to Muse success over the last 12 months. 2025 saw a strategic expansion of the business’s development pipeline to £6.3 billion (including preferred bidder positions). In the last year this has increased by 29%, from £4.9 billion.

Phil Marsden, Managing Director at Muse – North West, said:

“We’re delighted to announce these promotions. They are testament to the dedication and contribution that these individuals have made to supporting our success in the region. I would like to personally congratulate each of them, and I look forward to continuing to work with them during this exciting period for us.

“The promotions are also reflective of Muse’s long-standing commitment to career development within the company. This is something which is an integral reason behind our continued success, not just in the North West, but nationwide.”

Stuart Rogers, who is now stepping into a national role as Operations Director at Muse, said:

“Since joining Muse I have had the privilege to work with a fantastic team and committed partners to deliver impactful regeneration projects in the North West. What we do at Muse is not easy, but our determination to deliver and resilience is something I’m deeply proud of. I am delighted to hear of my colleague’s promotions, which are extremely well deserved.

“As our significant development pipeline continues to grow nationally, I am delighted to be promoted to the position of Operations Director. Our business priority has always been about delivery, and I am looking forward to not only continuing to support the excellent team in the North West, but those across the country, who have been working hard with our national and local partners to progress visions.

“It is important that as we look to deliver against these ambitions, and that we are genuinely meeting the needs of the communities and enabling long-term social and economic growth.”