Sir Howard Bernstein (9 April 1953 – 22 June 2024) was a British local government officer who was the chief executive of Manchester City Council from 1998 to 2017.

Originally joining the Council as a junior clerk, he became the chief executive in 1998, responsible for setting development goals and encouraging investment in the city.

He was born on 9 April 1953 in Cheetham Hill,[7][8] and attended the Ducie High School in Moss Side, which closed in 2003.

[16] Bernstein's appointment followed the 1996 Manchester bombing which severely damaged much of the city centre and extensive reconstruction ensued.

He was appointed Chief executive of Manchester Millennium Limited, the public/private sector task force set up by the Government and the City Council to oversee the redesign and rebuilding of the City Centre, a task which successfully delivered areas such as Piccadilly Gardens, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, Urbis on time and on budget.

[34] Bernstein lived in Prestwich until his death and was survived by his wife, Vanessa, whom he married in 2004,[7] two children and three stepchildren.