Nick Walkley left Avison Young last year to ‘pursue other interests’
The former chief executive of Homes England has been proposed as the inaugural boss of a new combined authority in the north west of England.
Nick Walkley led the government’s housing agency between 2017 and 2021, before taking a senior role in the private sector with real estate advisory firm Avison Young. He left that position in September in order to “pursue other interests”.
This Friday (30 January), the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority’s (CWCA) shadow board will be asked to approve in principle his appointment as interim chief executive.
If given the green light in this week’s meeting, Walkley’s appointment would be subject to formal approval by the combined authority following its establishment in March 2026.
CWCA is one of a number of new combined authorities which are set to be established as a result of the current government’s devolution drive. It is set to be led politically by a directly elected mayor, with the first vote expected to take place in 2027.
The authority is set to control a significant budget, including a £650m mayoral investment fund over the next 30 years.
Prior to working at Homes England, Walkley was chief executive at two local authorities in London, Haringey Council and Barnet Council.
His most recent role was principal and UK president at Avison Young.
“I am honoured to be recommended as the first Interim Chief Executive of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority,” said Walkley. “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.”
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