Oldham Gets New Chief Executive Aiming To Make Borough Unstoppable

Oldham Council has a new top boss. Shelley Kipling will be the chief executive. She had been acting in that role, and council members unanimously chose her. The job paid between £179,420 and £200,623.

Officials wanted a leader with experience. Kipling replaced Harry Catherall, who left for Tameside Council in 2024 to improve children’s services.

Oldham called the hiring process tough, stating that they had many strong applicants. The full council must approve Kipling on March 6.

Kipling loves working for Oldham and says this opportunity is an honor. She appreciates the hardworking council staff and is excited to help Oldham, believing it has great strength.

Council Leader Arooj Shah is very happy. Shah thinks Kipling cares about residents and is the best choice. Shelley’s passion for Oldham was clear, and they will work together on important projects.

Kipling studied politics and history, graduating from Manchester University. In 2003, Kipling began working in Wakefield council. She became Oldham’s head of communications in 2009.

She left Oldham for Manchester City Council in 2015, leading their communications team. Kipling returned to Oldham in 2019, becoming assistant director for strategy. By 2021, she was assistant chief executive.