North West Business Leadership Team Begins Search for New CEO as Emma Degg Prepares to Step Down

North West Business Leadership Team Begins Search for New CEO as Emma Degg Prepares to Step Down

User avatar placeholder
Written by Craig Maloney

April 21, 2026

The North West Business Leadership Team has initiated a search for a new chief executive following Emma Degg’s announcement that she will depart her role in December. Degg has led the organization, which unites business leaders across the region, for ten years and was honored with an MBE in 2024 for her contributions to the North West business community.

The role offers a competitive six-figure base salary, with the potential for an additional performance-related bonus of up to 10% of base pay. The job description emphasizes the need for a leader who can serve as both custodian and catalyst for the NWBLT, preserving its integrity while strengthening its voice across business and public sector leadership.

Chris Woodroofe, chair of NWBLT and CEO of Manchester Airports Group, praised Degg’s energetic and respected leadership, highlighting achievements in membership growth, sector relationships, and regional and national influence. Degg expressed pride in initiatives like the Diversity Drivers and Rising Star programmes, and stated she intends to continue supporting regional organizations as a board member and trustee.