As chief executive of the newly formed GMCA group, Caroline Simpson has a role of unique scale and ambition – overseeing the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

Working closely with the city region’s Mayor Andy Burnham and the leaders of its ten councils, Caroline is driving forward efforts to grow the Greater Manchester economy and create good lives for all through a pioneering place-based approach. Her role includes responsibility for a budget of over £1 billion and accountability to almost 2.9 million residents.

Caroline is a proud public servant, who has worked in regional development agencies, the housing sector and local government. Before starting her current role, in June 2024, she was Chief Executive at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, where she led the £1bn redevelopment of the town centre. Stockport's regeneration has transformed its reputation, with The Sunday Times describing it as ‘one of the most exciting towns around’.

As GMCA group chief executive, Caroline is focussed on unlocking opportunity, strengthening relationships across the city region and empowering all colleagues to deliver for residents. She will lead the GMCA group into a new phase of public service reform, developing locally-driven solutions to some of the biggest policy challenges of our time – from how to tackle health inequality and reduce pressure on the NHS to fixing the housing crisis and getting more people into high quality jobs.