Simon Overland, once Victoria’s top cop, has been revealed as Whittlesea council’s new chief executive.
Mr Overland will be the third chief executive to lead the council in the past 16 months.
Mayor Ricky Kirkham announced the appointment on Thursday, saying the decision had the unanimous support of his fellow councillors and followed an extensive national recruitment process.
He said it was an exciting time to lead the council and that councillors were looking forward to working with Mr Overland.
“Simon comes to the City of Whittlesea with extensive experience in management, leadership and community service, having served as the Secretary of the Department of Justice in Tasmania and as the former chief commissioner of Victoria Police,” Cr Kirkham said.
“He has a passion for community development, quality service delivery and reforming organisations.”
Mr Overland said he was excited to take on the challenge of leading Whittlesea council.
“I feel very honoured in accepting this important appointment,” he said.
“I am looking forward to working with council, staff and the local community to deliver on council’s plans for the City of Whittlesea.”
The council has been criticized in recent months over its decision to change chief executives twice in 11 months.
Former chief executive Michael Wootten was dismissed in March, having only been appointed to the job the previous April.
The council has not revealed the reason for his departure.
Mr Wootten’s appointment followed the shock ousting of long-term chief executive David Turnbull, who had led the council since 2007.
The decision sparked calls from Yan Yean MP Danielle Green for Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins to investigate whether the council is being effectively governed.
Mr Overland, who will take over from acting chief executive Liana Thompson on Monday, August 21, has been appointed for five years.
