Whittlesea council has parted ways with its chief executive for the second time in less than 12 months.
Current chief executive Michael Wootten was dismissed from the council’s top job following a meeting on Tuesday night.
He had been in the job for only 11 months, having been appointed in April last year on a three-year contract.
Mr Wootten’s appointment followed the shock ousting of long-term chief executive David Turnbull, who had led the council since 2007.
The council has not revealed the reason for Mr Wootten’s departure, with mayor Ricky Kirkham saying he would not comment out of respect for Mr Wooten.
“As in the practice in local government, the CEO of a council is appointed by, and directly reports to, the elected council,” he said.
“As per Mr Wootten’s employment contract, council exercised the option to terminate his employment with three months’ pay.”
Cr Kirkham thanked Mr Wootten for his contribution to the Whittlesea community.
Partnerships and engagement director Liana Thompson has been appointed acting chief executive for three months.
“[Ms Thompson] will provide the leadership that will enable our organisation to continue to deliver the high standard of service and infrastructure our community needs and expects from council,” Cr Kirkham said.
