Joanne Roney CBE is the Managing Director at Birmingham City Council, leading the UK’s largest local authority, with a population of 1.2 million, through a period of significant transformation and renewed investment ambition. Before her move to Birmingham, Joanne was the first female Chief Executive of Manchester City Council between April 2017 and August 2024.

Joanne drives the Council’s corporate and regeneration agenda, shaping programmes that influence Birmingham’s economic growth, long term financial sustainability, and delivery of major strategic priorities. Her leadership spans multi year budgeting, citywide transformation initiatives, and regional collaboration on skills, employment, environment, and infrastructure.

At MIPIM, Joanne represents a city committed to unlocking inclusive and sustainable growth. Joanne works closely with investors, developers, public sector partners, and national stakeholders to champion Birmingham’s regeneration pipeline and strengthen confidence in the city’s future. Her focus is on partnership driven delivery, ensuring Birmingham remains a leading destination for investment, innovation, and long term prosperity.