Media response - CEO recruitment update

Published on 03 March 2023

Response to the Fleurieu Sun.

• Would it be possible to grab a few quotes from the mayor regarding the search for a new CEO? What is council looking for in the new CEO, ie: certain attributes? What sort of procedures is council going through in the search for new CEO? Is there a pressing timeline for the hire?

Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were

Council formally initiated the recruitment process for City of Onkaparinga’s next CEO in January, and last month held an elected member workshop to develop an ideal candidate profile and establish the KPIs for the incoming CEO.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer Performance Management Committee will use this information to shortlist and select final candidates for interviews with Council in April 2023.

Ultimately, we want to appoint someone who believes in our vision of strong, vibrant communities, and who will thrive on the challenge of leading South Australia’s largest metropolitan council.

While the chamber are keen to undertake the recruitment process in a timely manner, there’s no pressing timeline for the hire as the last thing we want to do is rush such an important decision. Above all, the focus of the committee is to ensure we find the right candidate.

The entire process is scheduled to take eight-to-12 weeks, with Council expected to be able to appoint the successful candidate in late April.

Until then, Acting CEO Julia Grant will continue to fulfil the role.

ENDS