City of Melbourne appoints new CEO Alison Leighton after donations scandal

The City of Melbourne has appointed a new CEO – who is set to rake in more than $500,000 annually – after her predecessor resigned amid an investigation into a donations scandal.

City of Melbourne on Tuesday announced Alison Leighton would take on the role of CEO. Picture: Diego Fedele

The City of Melbourne has appointed a new chief executive officer.

The council on Tuesday announced Alison Leighton would take on the role of CEO, which will see her earn an annual salary of about $535,000.

Ms Leighton has served as acting City of Melbourne CEO since October and is contracted to remain in the new role until July 2027.

Ms Leighton said she felt “incredibly privileged” to be given the opportunity to lead the City of Melbourne and build on “culture and performance”.

Drumroll, please 🥁

We’re delighted to announce Alison Leighton has been appointed as CEO of the City of Melbourne.

This is the first time in Council’s history we have women in the roles of both CEO and Lord Mayor. pic.twitter.com/cdST4heAcr

— City of Melbourne (@cityofmelbourne) July 4, 2023

“As Australia’s largest city, I look forward to supporting Council to deliver on what matters most to our growing community, embracing the future with confidence – and positioning Melbourne as a prosperous, liveable and attractive global city,” she said

Ms Leighton replaces former council boss Justin Hanney, who resigned in October amid an investigation over a donations scandal.

The Herald Sun revealed last year Mr Hanney had set up a website for donations to fund his participation in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, which included anonymous donations of $9000 and $4500.

Since being made acting CEO last year, Ms Leighton has “improved transparency and accountability across the organisation”, introduced a “renewed focus on empowerment, culture and leadership” and has worked to create a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Former CEO Justin Hanney resigned in October. Picture: Aaron Francis

Alison Leighton has served as acting City of Melbourne CEO since October. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Ms Leighton first joined the City of Melbourne as a General Manager in 2020 before being promoted to deputy CEO later that year, where she led the Strategy and Planning, Property, Infrastructure and Design, People, Culture and Leadership, and Aboriginal Melbourne portfolios.

Ms Leighton has nearly two decades of leadership experience across infrastructure, planning, operations and public sector business transformation, and was previously the CEO at Baw Baw Shire Council and the Chief Operating Officer at Mornington Peninsula Shire.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp has described Ms Leighton as a diligent and fair leader and “a champion for Melbourne”.

“On behalf of Councillors, I congratulate Alison Leighton on her appointment as CEO of City of Melbourne,” Ms Capp said.

“We undertook a thorough search for this role, which attracted a number of high-calibre candidates.

“I look forward to working with her as we deliver our Council Plan and continue to set the pace for our city traders, workers, residents, students and visitors.”

The recruitment process for the new CEO was led by an independently chaired committee.