Boston-based WinnCompanies has hired Michael O’Brien as executive vice president.

O’Brien, who yesterday submitted his resignation as the city manager of Worcester, will begin his new role in January. He will be responsible for corporate management, strategic planning and financial and client relationships at WinnDevelopment and WinnResidential.

"As one of the nation’s most successful city managers, Mike is an impressive executive talent who will immediately contribute to the excellence, innovation and drive that is at the core of all that we do," Michael Putziger, chairman of the board of WinnCompanies, said in a statement. "He understands the critical role that high quality property development and management can play in the success of a community. We’re happy to welcome him to the leadership of our company."

In Worcester, O’Brien spearheaded "Buy Worcester Now," a private-public partnership between the city, banks, lending institutions, local companies, nonprofit agencies, Realtors and the state of Massachusetts to generate new market demand for all available housing options in Worcester. He also established five neighborhood revitalization strategy areas, each focused specifically on issues relative to housing, code enforcement, commercial storefront improvements and job training.