Euan Wallace will stand down from his role after more than four years in the top job

The Department of Health secretary who became a public figure making tough and controversial decisions during the pandemic will depart amid a leadership reshuffle.

Professor Euan Wallace will finish in his role on February 28.

Victoria’s health boss, who guided the hospital network through the pandemic, has departed amid a leadership reshuffle in key Victorian departments.

Euan Wallace, secretary of the Department of Health will stand down from his role on February 28 after more than four years in the top job.

Also departing will be Tim Ada Secretary of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions making way for new leaders to step up in the departmental shake-up.

Prof Wallace was appointed to the role in November 2020 and steered the department through the COVID-19 response became a public figure making tough and controversial decisions during the pandemic and recovery.

Professor Wallace has been in the job since 2020.

He has also been heavily involved in the state’s restructure of hospitals which remains ongoing.

He will be replaced by Jenny Atta, who has been the Secretary of the Department of Education for the past six years.

She has also previously held senior roles in the Department of Treasury and Finance and the former Department of Human Services.

Mr Ada will be replaced by Matt Carrick, the Chief Executive Officer of V/Line since 2021.

Premier Jacinta Allan thanked the departing bosses for their service.

“I want to thank Euan and Tim for their professionalism and leadership in achieving a great deal of reform and change in their time and wish them well in the future,” she said.

“I congratulate Jenny and Matt on their appointments and look forward to their new leadership and expertise driving both DH and DJSIR forward.”

Originally published as Euan Wallace will stand down from his role after more than four years in the top job