Peter Smith appointed as Port Phillip Council CEO

THE former chief executive of a major interstate council has landed the top job in Port Phillip following a “rigorous” recruitment process.

Peter Smith has been appointed Port Phillip Council’s new chief executive.

THE former chief executive of a major interstate council has landed the top job in Port Phillip.

Mayor Bernadene Voss said Peter Smith had been selected following a “rigorous recruitment and selection process”.

He will take up the reins on May 29.

Mr Smith brings more than 20 years’ experience working in senior executive roles across three tiers of government, including eight years as chief executive of Adelaide City Council.

Prior to that he spent four years as deputy chief executive of the Families and Communities Department of South Australia, where he led the reform of the state’s housing and disability services.

He has also held senior executive roles at Centrelink and in the NSW Government’s housing, disability and family and community services.

For the last two years Mr Smith has owned and operated an Adelaide-based consultancy which helps councils, both in Australia and overseas, develop and implement organisational change, place making and affordable housing strategies.

Cr Voss said Mr Smith shared the council’s strong commitment to social justice.

“We welcome his experience and expertise in leading major urban renewal programs and developing and implementing successful place making, affordable housing, community development, homelessness and social justice strategies, services and programs for government,” she said.

“There are several challenges ahead and Mr Smith is well-placed to help us deliver the results we want for our city and community.”