Fisher has worked in public service for 42 years, including roles in the civil service and to senior leadership positions in the Cabinet Office, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

In a statement to colleagues, Fisher said: ‘Leading NHS Greater Manchester has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. In my tenure as chief executive, I have had the privilege of working alongside colleagues and partners to navigate significant reform - from the integration of our 10 former CCGs and supporting organisations to create the ICB, to the development of a new way of working to deliver the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.

‘Together, we have delivered real improvements across our health and care system. Greater Manchester is one of the most improved ICBs nationally in elective care. We are exceeding national standards in cancer care, ambulance response times and dementia diagnoses, and have significantly reduced waiting times for diagnostics.

‘There are - of course - still challenges and work to do, but I am proud of the progress we have made together in strengthening system collaboration, embedding place-based leadership, improving access to services and keeping people and communities at the heart of everything we do.'

Fisher said he was flexible about the date of his departure in order to ensure a smooth transition. Work is under way to appoint his successor.