Katharine Hammond appointed new South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Chief Executive

18th March 2025

Katharine Hammond has been appointed the new Chief Executive of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Following an extensive recruitment process involving the Mayor, Council Leaders and a range of stakeholders, Katharine’s appointment was confirmed today [18 March 2025] at a meeting of the SYMCA Board.

Katharine will work with South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard to deliver SYMCA’s huge ambitions across transport, policing, skills, housing, growth and more. She joins at a time when SYMCA will be getting new powers and responsibilities under the English Devolution Bill, including an integrated funding settlement that will give the Mayor more autonomy to make spending decisions that are right for South Yorkshire.

Katharine brings a wealth of leadership experience at senior levels in the civil service, spanning strategy, policy, delivery and change. She has been Director of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office supporting COBR through numerous emergencies; has worked with the criminal justice system and with police forces; has held a senior role in national security and has been part of the drive to build the number of civil service roles in the North. 

Katharine Hammond said: “I'm excited to be joining Mayor Oliver Coppard, the SYMCA team and South Yorkshire Leaders. I can’t wait to get stuck in and do the best possible job for the people of South Yorkshire.  

“I want to raise South Yorkshire’s profile even more nationally and internationally and bring in new opportunities, and I know I’ll only be able to do that by working in partnership with others across the region who share the same ambition. I believe we can achieve a huge amount together. 

“I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Katharine will work with me to keep delivering on our huge ambitions, across transport, net-zero, policing, skills, housing, growth and more. Her appointment couldn’t come at a more important time, just as we are working ever more closely with government to take advantage of the opportunities of further and faster devolution in South Yorkshire.

“Over the next few months, we will be submitting our Spending Review bids and our Industrial Strategy, as well as developing our plans and approach for the integrated financial settlement we have been granted as part of our Level 4 Devolution Deal. We have a unique chance to grasp those opportunities and more, but to take advantage of this moment will require dynamic, effective and thoughtful leadership at the top of the MCA organisation. Katharine ticks all those boxes and more, and I’m delighted South Yorkshire will be benefitting from her expertise and experience in the years ahead.”

Katharine will replace Martin Swales as Chief Executive on 19 May 2025