Council
18 September, 2024
Craig Niemann takes helm as interim CEO of Horsham Rural City Council
Former Bendigo council CEO Craig Niemann to lead Horsham council.
A former local government boss with more than two decades of experience in the top job has been appointed as the interim chief executive of the Horsham Rural City Council.
A council spokesperson announced Craig Niemann would start on Monday, September 30.
Mr Niemann would serve as interim CEO until the newly elected council appoints a replacement for outgoing Sunil Bhalla.
"I look forward to bringing that experience to Horsham, and working with the Council, staff and the community," he said.
Mr Niemann has 40 years of experience in local government, including top jobs as chief executive of the Loddon Shire from 1997 to 2005 and the City of Greater Bendigo from 2007 to 2023.
Following confirmation of the appointment at the Council Meeting on Monday, September 16, Mayor Robyn Gulline welcomed Mr Niemann to the role.
"Craig is highly experienced and will be an asset to Council while he is here," Cr Gulline said.
"I thank him for filling in for us while we work towards a new appointment."
After six years with the council, Mr Bhalla announced his departure on Tuesday, September 3.
He cited a desire to spend more time with family and pursue new interests, including establishing a charity, as motivation for his departure.