Former Homes England Chief Executive Nick Walkley proposed as First Interim Chief Executive of Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA)
Shadow Board will be asked to approve in principle on 30 Jan
At its meeting on 30th January, the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA) Shadow Board will be asked to approve in principle the appointment of Nick Walkley as its Interim Chief Executive, ahead of formal approval by the Combined Authority following its establishment in March 2026.
The appointment would bring exceptional leadership and experience to Cheshire and Warrington as the region embarks on an ambitious devolution journey. The CWCA will control a multimillion-pound budget including a £650 million mayoral investment fund over the next 30 years, and an ambition to transform the area into the UK's healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and fastest-growing economy by 2045.
Nick Walkley is experienced in driving economic growth, building housing at scale, and forging powerful public-private partnerships. As Chief Executive of Homes England from 2017 to 2021, he led the creation and growth of the UK Government's housing and development agency, overseeing a portfolio that included affordable homes, new towns, brownfield schemes, SME support and major infrastructure funding. During his tenure, he championed innovative approaches to unlocking housing supply and regeneration that improved lives across communities.
Prior to Homes England, Nick served as Chief Executive of two major London local authorities – Haringey Council and Barnet Council – demonstrating his ability to build high-performing teams and deliver transformation during challenging times. His track record in local government, combined with his deep expertise in urban regeneration and place-making, made him the outstanding candidate to work with elected leaders on Cheshire and Warrington's devolution agenda.
Nick’s most recent role was Principal and UK President at global real estate advisory firm Avison Young, where he continued to champion the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to unlock growth and create thriving places. He will take up the new position in early March.
Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chair of the Shadow Board, said:
"Nick Walkley's appointment would be a defining moment for Cheshire and Warrington. His track record in large-scale transformation, combined with his passion for place-making and understanding of how devolution can drive inclusive growth, makes him the outstanding choice to lead our new Combined Authority.
"We are ambitious for our region, and Nick shares that ambition. He understands that devolution isn't just about structures and powers – it's about improving people's lives through better transport, more affordable homes, stronger skills training, and creating the conditions for businesses to thrive. With Nick at the helm during this crucial interim period, we would build the solid foundations needed to deliver real, tangible benefits for our residents and communities."
Steve Purdham, Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Business Advisory Board, said:
"The business community warmly endorses Nick’s appointment. His proven ability to forge powerful partnerships between government, local authorities and the private sector is exactly what we need as we work to unlock Cheshire and Warrington's economic potential.
"Nick understands that sustainable growth can only be achieved when the public and private sectors work in genuine partnership. He has demonstrated throughout his career that he knows how to turn ambitious visions into reality. The Business Advisory Board looks forward to working with him to ensure that business insight and expertise shape our region's economic strategy."
Nick Walkley said:
"I am honoured to be recommended as the first Interim Chief Executive of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority. This region has extraordinary strengths – world-class businesses, talented people, beautiful places and a collaborative spirit that sets it apart.
"Devolution represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape our own destiny, to make decisions locally that reflect our priorities and ambitions, and to unlock investment that will transform transport connections, accelerate housing delivery, develop the skills our economy needs, and support businesses to innovate and grow.
"I've spent my career working in partnerships between government, local authorities, communities and the private sector to deliver places where people genuinely want to live, work and invest. Cheshire and Warrington has the vision, the leadership and the economic firepower to become a blueprint for successful devolution. Subject to the board’s approval, I cannot wait to get started and to work with partners across the region to build something truly exceptional."
The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority will be formally established in March 2026, working with Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council. The region will hold its first Mayoral election in May 2027, when voters will elect a mayor with significant powers over transport, housing, economic development and skills.
The Combined Authority Shadow Board has been working since October 2025 to establish the robust foundations needed for successful devolution, including approval of the region's ambitious 20-year Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Strategy.