Burnside Council CEO steps down from top role for ‘new challenge’

The tattooed, Harley Davidson-riding CEO of one of Adelaide’s wealthiest councils has stepped down from his top job, ready for a new role.

The baldheaded, tattooed CEO of the City of Burnside has quit the plum job of running one of Adelaide’s wealthiest councils.

Chris Cowley moved from Whyalla Council in 2019 to take on the role, and worked at numerous councils before that.

Leaving behind a pay packet that was up to $280,550, he will step down from the Burnside role on November 15, the council said in a statement, to “take on new challenges”.

His next appointment will be formally announced next week.

Burnside Council chief executive Chris Cowley. Picture: Supplied

When he won the Burnside job, the Harley Davidson-riding martial arts expert told The Advertiser his tattoos celebrated his family and important milestones in his life.

“It’s important for the CEO role that I button up and don’t expose the tattoos because I fully understand they aren’t for everybody – but they are important for me,” he says.

Mr Cowley thanked Burnside Mayor Anne Monceaux, council and administration for their support since joining in early 2020, just before Covid hit.

“This decision was one of the hardest I have ever made”, Mr Cowley said.

“The culture at the City of Burnside is incredible and something we should all be proud of playing a part in creating and sustaining.

“I’ve achieved what I set out to here at Burnside and I am looking forward to new challenges.”

Ms Monceaux thanked Mr Cowley, saying he had consistently demonstrated strong, positive leadership.

“He has led his team effectively and has been committed to serving the community of Burnside,” Ms Monceaux said. “I have appreciated his honest and consistent support over four and a half years.”

She said the process to appoint a new CEO to the top role was in place.

The council said among Mr Cowley’s achievements was leading the response to the Covid restrictions that began in March 2020.

Burnside Council Chris Cowley CEO, left, with Whyalla Airport manager of operations, Howard Aspey.

He also delivered the first City Master Plan that will shape the future of Burnside, introduced 40km/h speed limits in sections of Burnside and took a stance on illegal tree removals, which helped see Burnside awarded Tree City of the World over four years.

Among other achievements, the council said he started Burnside’s path to reconciliation, instigating a partnership with Traditional Owners to develop a reconciliation plan and artwork.

He delivered a redeveloped Tusmore Wading Pool, Dulwich Community Centre and construction on the multi-award winning Kensington Gardens / Kensington Wama Wetland as well as the Magill Village Precinct and The Shed on Conyngham Street.

He also initiated the refurbishment of the 100-year-old state heritage-listed Regal Theatre.