Marion Council chief executive Adrian Skull has resigned

After five years in the top job, the chief executive of a major southern suburbs council has handed in his resignation.

Marion Council chief executive Adrian Skull. Picture: Supplied/Marion Council

Marion Council’s chief executive has resigned after five years on the job.

Adrian Skull announced his decision to leave the top job to elected members on Wednesday night before informing staff on Thursday.

Mr Skull said the decision came with mixed emotions but he knew it was time to begin a new phase of his life.

Departing Marion Council chief executive Adrian Skull chief executive pictured (on left) in 2014 during his time with the District Council of Yankallila. Picture: Dave Cronin

“I have been honoured to have been the (chief executive) of Marion and work alongside some outstanding people for the past five-and-a-half years,” Mr Skull said.

“It has been the highlight of my working life.

“The decision to leave hasn’t been easy – but I feel it is time to ‘hang up my boots’ and move on to new beginnings in semi-retirement.”

Mr Skull said his highlights at Marion Council included attracting major sports infrastructure to the region as well as delivering record low rate increases.

The father of three joined Marion Council in August 2015, leaving the top job at Yankallila Council.

Mr Skull was a familiar face at Marion having served as city development director there before taking the job at Yankalilla.

He also served as an Australian Army officer, worked at BAE systems and was academic dean of a hotel management college in Switzerland.

Last year, The Advertiser revealed Mr Skull was paid more than $274,000 a year to head Marion Council.

The council has begun its search for a new chief ahead of Mr Skull’s last day in March.