Charlie is choice as chief executive

Charlie Parker

OLDHAM Council has named its new chief executive as English Partnerships’ director of investment and performance, Charlie Parker.

The choice was a unanimous decision of the three political groups whose leaders made up the selection panel.

The 47-year-old succeeds Andrew Kilburn who is leaving to become chief executive of Waltham Forest Council in October.

In his current role for English Partnerships, Mr Parker is responsible for all corporate financial services and investment planning for a £700 million government agency.

The leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Howard Sykes, said: “We have made a very good choice for our region.

“Charlie’s appointment will make sure Oldham is able to punch above its weight. I believe the speed at which Charlie wants to work will frighten some people. But that can only be a good thing both for the council, Oldham and its citizens.”

Councillor Jim McMahon, leader of the Labour group, said: “Charlie stood out as being the person with the qualities and track record to move Oldham forward.”

Councillor Jack Hulme, the Conservative leader, said: “I am delighted to be party to what was a unanimous decision. I feel strongly that Charlie is the right person to take Oldham in the direction we are seeking. The background and skills he brings will prove key factors.”

Mr Parker has wide ranging strategic and operational management experience within major private and public-sector organisations.

He was group strategic director of Enterprise plc where he was responsible for the company’s development of public-sector markets with a value of £200 million.

Before that he was executive director for regeneration at Liverpool City Council and has also been director for the Speke Garston Partnership and head of the inner cities unit at Manchester City Council.

He said: “This is a unique opportunity and one which I feel honoured to have been given. I am excited by the challenge to become involved with an authority that has so much potential.

“But I am under no illusion that the council has further to go in delivering its improvement programme and that Oldham needs to be viewed by the outside world in a more positive way — something that is already happening.”

A graduate of Warwick University, Mr Parker is married with two children.