Media response - CEO appointment start date

Published on 15 January 2026

Enquiry - The Advertiser

I note there have been two special meetings this week - one on the recruitment of the CEO and one on the appointment of an acting CEO - and I wanted to put a few questions to the council around this. 

• Why has an acting chief executive officer been appointed from 19 January until 16 February when Sharon Mason isn't starting in her role until 23 March?  
• Has Ms Mason's start date been brought forward? If so, why? 
• If Ms Mason is still expected to start on March 23, who will lead the council between February 17 and March 23? 

Response

Ms Mason initially provided an indicative start date of 23 March but since then has confirmed an earlier start date of 16 February is possible. An earlier commencement is preferred both by Council and Ms Mason, while also reducing the required period for an interim CEO arrangement.

ENDS