Paul Richards to leave Stockport Council to head up £11 billion Birmingham regeneration

Deputy Chief Executive of Stockport Council, Paul Richards, has appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC).

Paul will leave Stockport Council on 21st November to take up the new role to ensure a smooth transition period over the coming months.

Since joining Stockport Council in 2016, Paul has played a leading role in shaping regeneration, growth and investment across the borough. As Chief Executive of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation and later Deputy Chief Executive of Stockport Council, he has helped oversee a period of significant change in the town centre, supporting the delivery of major regeneration projects, attracting investment and helping to create new homes, jobs and opportunities for residents.

During his tenure, Stockport has attracted national attention for the scale of transformation taking place across the borough, with schemes such as Stockroom, Weir Mill, Stockport Interchange and Stockport Exchange helping bring investment, new opportunities and renewed confidence to the borough.

In his new role at Birmingham East MDC working alongside its Chair, Dame Bernadette Kelly, Paul will oversee the £11 billion regeneration of an area of Birmingham City Centre that is set to deliver new homes, employment space, an extension to the city’s tram network, alongside the 60,000-seat Powerhouse Stadium and new HS2 terminus at Curzon Street station across an area the size of 600 football pitches.

Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

“Paul has made a significant contribution to Stockport and I would like to thank him for everything he has done. The transformation seen across the borough in recent years has attracted national attention, and Paul has played a very important role in that progress alongside colleagues, partners and communities. His appointment reflects both his leadership and the growing profile of the work taking place in Stockport. While we will be sorry to see him leave, our ambitions remain unchanged. Major projects continue to move forward, and we remain focused on delivering for residents, businesses and visitors.”

Chief Executive of Stockport Council, Michael Cullen said:

“I’d like to congratulate Paul on his appointment and thank him for everything he has contributed to Stockport. He has played a pivotal role in many of the borough’s most significant regeneration and growth projects, working closely with colleagues, partners and communities to help deliver lasting change. Paul’s appointment is a reflection of his leadership, expertise and commitment, and I wish him every success in this next chapter.”

Paul Richards said:

“It has been a privilege to serve Stockport and work alongside colleagues, elected members, partners and communities across the borough. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and of the positive change taking place across Stockport.

“Everything that has been delivered has been the result of strong partnerships, ambitious leadership and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for residents and businesses.

“There is still much more to come, and I leave knowing Stockport has talented people, strong partnerships and a clear vision for the future.

“I look forward to supporting a smooth transition before taking up my new role.”