City of Greater Geelong appoints acting CEO, launches recruitment process for $440k-per-year replacement

A City of Greater Geelong director will step into the role of acting chief executive for the next six months, as it launches a recruitment process to permanently fill the $440,000-per-year job.

A City of Greater Geelong director will step into the role of acting chief executive for the next six months, as it launches a recruitment process to permanently fill the $440,000-per-year job.

The city’s current chief executive Martin Cutter announced his sudden resignation in July, revealing he would step down in September – just nine months short of finishing his contracted term.

The city on Wednesday announced it had appointed it’s former Director of Strategy, People and Performance Kaarina Phyland as the acting chief executive for a period of about six months, as recruitment firm One(n2a) helps the city hunt for a new chief executive.

Ms Phyland said she was “pleased and humbled” by her appointment.

“I look forward to working in collaboration with councillors and the executive team to continue to deliver for our community,” Ms Phyland said.

Mr Cutter did not give any reason for ending his tenure when announced in July, other than it being “the right time”.

“I feel that now is the right time for both the organisation and for me personally to step down.

City of Greater Geelong has appointed Kaarina Phyland as acting chief executive. Picture: Supplied

“I’m now in a time in my life where I can turn to focus on personal pursuits,” Mr Cutter said in a statement.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife, Fiona, our two dogs and our two boys, who are both based overseas.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved at the City over the past four years and my role, while complex, has been incredibly rewarding.”

Mr Cutter’s shock resignation came just weeks after the City received a scathing letter from five local state MPs warning of a “growing concern and lack of confidence” in the city’s ability to deliver key state-funded projects – and threatening to freeze the city out of planning for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Originally published as City of Greater Geelong appoints acting CEO, launches recruitment process for $440k-per-year replacement