New Chief Executive Starts at Marketing Cheshire

Joe Manning has today taken up his role as Chief Executive of Marketing Cheshire and Deputy Chief Executive of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The Bradford-born senior civil servant joins Marketing Cheshire and the LEP from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) where he was Deputy Director. His career has seen him play a lead role in the development of the Government’s Industrial Strategy as well as having responsibility for growing UK R&D investment.

Angie Robinson, Chair of Marketing Cheshire welcomed Joe’s appointment and said: “Joe takes the helm in challenging times however, his experience and government connections will be crucial in driving forward our region’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. We look forward to working with Joe on a strategy to welcome visitors and businesses back once it is safe to do so.”

Clare Hayward MBE DL, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington LEP said: “Joe will be helping drive the relevant support for businesses as they move into the phase of recovery and reinvention. Cheshire and Warrington is a great place to live and do business and supports the agenda of digitisation, and inclusive, sustainable growth. Joe is joining at this critical time for both business and the region and his expertise is very welcome as we continue to build one of the country’s most successful places.”

Commenting on his role, Joe added: “It’s a crucial time for local economies. I know I will be joining a highly experienced and driven team who are all already focused on the success of Cheshire & Warrington. I will be moving to the region as soon as the current “lock down” finishes and am really looking forward to playing my part in the success of this fantastic area”

Joe takes over from Interim Chief Executive Andy Farrall, who took on the role following Mark Livesey’s departure to take on a national role with the LEP Network.

Prior to his role with BEIS, Joe held policy roles at the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, New Local Government Network, Design Council and Muscular Dystrophy UK. Joe has undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in history and politics from the University of Oxford. He enjoys live music, football and hiking.