Levi Rickell, Managing Director – Leading with Purpose, Curiosity and a Passion for Progress

Posted on 12 May 2025

To launch our Meet the Team series, we’re starting at the top—with Levi Rickell, Managing Director at Rochdale Development Agency.                                                                                                                                           

A self-confessed “closet techie” with a passion for AI and a deep commitment to making a real difference, Levi blends strategic leadership with curiosity and purpose.

From championing major regeneration projects to exploring how technology can transform the public sector, Levi’s approach is all about smart, ethical progress. But what really drives him? The chance to shape places, improve lives—and maybe get a little lost in the process.

Read on to discover more about Levi’s journey, what fuels his work, and why he believes the best ideas often start with curiosity.

Tell me a bit about yourself.
I am a bit of a closet techie.  I’ve always had a strong interest in technology, and over recent years, that’s grown into a real curiosity about artificial intelligence. I find AI fascinating—not just from a personal interest point of view, but in terms of its potential to improve how we live and work. Whether it’s project management, data analysis, or strategic planning, I’m particularly interested in how AI can help us work smarter in the public sector, and how we can use it ethically to support socio-economic development and regeneration.

What is your role with the RDA?
As Managing Director of the Rochdale Development Agency, I lead our work on socio-economic growth, regeneration and business investment across the borough. Our mission is to attract businesses, create jobs, and improve the places where people live and work. It’s a hands-on role that involves everything from developing long-term strategies to working with partners to bring plans to life. What I enjoy most is that it’s not just about writing reports or ticking boxes—it’s about making a real difference on the ground.

Why did you choose to work with the RDA?
I didn’t set out with a plan to join the RDA—it happened organically. But once I was here, I quickly realised it was exactly the right environment for me. There’s a real energy in the organisation for innovation, personal development and a shared commitment to doing meaningful work that benefits communities and supports business growth. It’s a place where your work genuinely matters, and where you can have a tangible, positive impact on people’s lives and futures. It might not have been a deliberate move, but it’s definitely been the right one.

What projects do you work on?
I’m involved in a broad range of projects that span from early-stage concept development through to delivery on the ground. Recently, we’ve reopened the stunning Rochdale Town Hall following a £20 million restoration, launched a new culture and placemaking initiative that led to Rochdale being named Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025, and continued to lead on Atom Valley—a major long-term investment with Rochdale at its heart, designed to bring high-value jobs and transform the economic future of north Manchester. We’ve also developed a pioneering education partnership with Pembroke College Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Rochdale Sixth Form College, which is opening up world-class opportunities for young people in the borough. These projects are about more than buildings—they’re about people, place, and creating a sense of connection and opportunity that shapes how communities grow and thrive.

What do you really enjoy about your profession?
The variety, without a doubt. No two days are the same, and there’s always something new to learn or tackle—whether it’s about places, systems, or people. I also really value being part of long-term, place-based projects. There’s something special about seeing a vision take shape over time and knowing that you’ve played a part in making it happen. Even the small wins are meaningful when you know they’ve made a difference.

What makes you get up in the morning?
Curiosity and purpose. I’m driven by the chance to experience something new each day—whether that’s a fresh challenge, an unexpected conversation, or a new way of looking at things. If you’ve got something to offer and something to learn, that’s a great reason to get out of bed.

Tell me something people don’t know about you.
I love to travel, but not in the traditional sense. I prefer to disappear into a new city without a map or a plan—just a good pair of shoes and a sense of curiosity. I like to get lost, explore, and discover a place on foot, away from the usual tourist spots. I’ll stay in an apartment, shop where the locals do, and try to understand how a place really works. It’s a way of slowing down, being present, and seeing the world with fresh eyes—and that mindset influences how I approach work and life in general.

Over the coming months you will meet the individuals leading on projects that are changing Rochdale, get to know the individuals and gain more in depth knowledge on the initiatives and how they come together to make Rochdale a great place to live, work, play and invest!