Birmingham City Council boss to deliver keynote address at Chamber report launch

The new managing director of Birmingham City Council is set to deliver a keynote address at the launch of the Birmingham Economic Review for 2024.

Joanne Roney (pictured) will speak at the launch of the review on Tuesday, 19 November from 9 to 11 am at the Exchange in Centenary Square.

The Birmingham Economic Review is a yearly economic snapshot of the city and region, analysing capabilities, innovation, infrastructure and more.

It is a partnership between the University of Birmingham’s City-Region Economic Development Institute (City-REDI) and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

The review provides an opportunity to bring quality insights from academia, leading businesses, and local government together, to share insights on the local economy and measures needed to drive local economic growth.

The launch event will present the findings of this year's report and discuss them with an expert panel of leaders from business, policy and academia.

Joanne Roney joined Birmingham City Council in September 2024.

Before her move to Birmingham, Joanne was the first female chief executive of Manchester City Council between April 2017 and August 2024.

During her seven and a half year tenure in Manchester, Joanne dealt with several unprecedented events and led the council’s response to two major crises – the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack and the Covid-19 pandemic.

In September 2021, Joanne was named the Local Authority Chief Executive of the Year at the annual MJ (Municipal Journal) Awards. She then oversaw Manchester City Council attaining ‘Council of the Year’ status in July 2022.

Born in Shard End, Birmingham, Joanne’s career started in local government as an apprentice with Birmingham City Council when she was 16.

Throughout her career to date, she has built a strong track record in transforming public services and delivering major regeneration initiatives across many cities in the UK.

Joanne has extensive experience in local government having previously worked as director of Housing at Kirklees Council and executive director with responsibility for housing, communities and adult care services at Sheffield City Council.

Joanne also served as the President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE) between 2020 and 2022.

In the 2024 New Years Honours list, Joanne was awarded a CBE for services to Local Government.

Emily Stubbs, GBCC head of policy, said: “We very much look forward to Joanne delivering this keynote address at the launch of the Birmingham Economic Review for 2024, setting out her vision for the city, the Council's plan for 'Shaping Birmingham's Future' and key messages for the local business community.

“This year's Economic Review will reflect on how we can work collaboratively across the local economy to drive inclusive growth and enhance the attractiveness of the city to visitors and investors, as means to unlock the full potential of the city region.”

Register your free place at the launch of the Birmingham Economic Review for 2024 here.