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Whittlesea Council searching for new chief executive

After a series of scandals, Whittlesea Council is searching for a new chief executive, months after reaching a settlement with former boss Simon Overland.

Whittlesea Council is looking for a new chief executive to replace former boss Simon Overland. Picture: Jake Nowakowski
Whittlesea Council is looking for a new chief executive to replace former boss Simon Overland. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The hunt is on to find a replacement for former Whittlesea Council chief executive Simon Overland.

Mr Overland still had two years remaining on his contract for which he was due to be paid $800,000, when councillors voted to terminate his contract while he was on sick leave on December 10 last year.

The council reached a settlement with Mr Overland earlier this year but would not reveal any further details on the “confidential” matter.

Whittlesea councillors were sacked and a panel of administrators installed until at least 2024 after a bill to remove the controversy-stricken council was passed in March.

A panel of administrators — chair Lydia Wilson, Bruce Billson and Peita Duncan — were appointed last month and are looking to find a “forward-thinking” chief executive to partner with them.

“With the right leader in place for at least the next five years, one who is proactively engaged with the community and stakeholders while being politically astute, we will enhance our sense of place for everyone who lives and works in (Whittlesea),” Ms Wilson said.

“Our permanent chief executive officer will also have the experience and determination to lead this organisation to become a renowned local government exemplar through great ideas, innovation and strategic clarity.”

The council has partnered with recruitment agency Davidson Executive who will drive a “rigorous and thorough” process to find a new chief executive that could take up to eight weeks.

Details: davidsonexecutive.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/whittlesea-council-searching-for-new-chief-executive/news-story/826dc61c66bb528dd7774577678a6a93