One of the most important figures in Greater Manchester’s digital sector is to leave his role this week.
After eight years at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Phil Swan will be leaving his post as director of digital on February 13th.
He’ll be taking up a new position at Government Digital Service (GDS) as the director with responsibility for GDS Local, service standards, inclusive digital design, and pan‑Government digital capability.
GDS local is a new unit within the Government Digital Service (GDS) that brings central and local government together to deliver the ambitions set out in the blueprint for a modern digital government.
NatWest shares sink as £2.7bn Evelyn Partners swoop announced
Swan said: “It’s been a real privilege to lead digital services at GMCA and help shape and deliver on the Greater Manchester Digital Blueprint. I’m hugely proud of what we’ve achieved, but even more proud of the collaborative, can‑do way Greater Manchester works. It’s a special place.
“It’s been amazing to work with so many talented and committed people across the city region and beyond.
“Together we’ve pushed forward on digital inclusion, opened up more pathways into tech and data jobs, strengthened digital infrastructure, and enable better public services — all with the goal of improving people’s lives.
“The digital team at GMCA is flying and I’m pleased to be leaving it in safe hands with Joanna Munnelly and Kieran Smith holding the reins while permanent arrangements are put in place.
“Although I’m moving on, I’ll still be just round the corner – based in Manchester – and joining the growing DSIT team here.
“I’ll miss GMCA and everyone I’ve worked with, but I’m really looking forward to this new challenge and the chance to support digital transformation at both local and national level, helping turn the ambition behind the blueprint for modern digital government into reality.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone I’ve worked with – across GMCA, all 10 boroughs, our partners, and networks. I’m looking forward to staying in touch and continuing to collaborate with many of you, just from a new perspective.”
Swan’s career includes ICT strategy and implementation work for Accenture, an MBA from Cambridge University, founding and exiting a SME, and leading the Tameside Council-based public sector innovation partnership ‘iNetwork’ over several years.