General News
5 May, 2023
Hindmarsh CEO stepping down
Hindmarsh Shire Council will be seeking a new chief executive in October, following Greg Wood’s intention to not seek a further extension to his position. Mr Wood addressed a letter to council notifying them of his decision, saying: “I have...
Hindmarsh Shire Council will be seeking a new chief executive in October, following Greg Wood’s intention to not seek a further extension to his position.
Mr Wood addressed a letter to council notifying them of his decision, saying: “I have enjoyed my time working with Hindmarsh Shire since commencing in September 2016.”
A council spokesperson said: “Mr Wood will be pursuing other interests.”
Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Brett Ireland said he respectfully accepted Mr Wood’s decision to not seek a further term as the shire’s CEO.
“I am sure I can speak on behalf of all councillors in saying that, in the seven years under Mr Wood’s tenure, the shire is indebted for the wealth of local government expertise he has displayed, the strong financial position in which he is leaving our shire, and his list of infrastructure achievements,” he said.
“Mr Wood, along with his staff, have pursued many grants for our communities and have put the many policies in place now required under the Local Government Act 2020.
“One of these has been used as a statewide example of a good procurement policy.
"I believe Mr Wood has always had the interests of our community at the forefront in making decisions.
“I personally wish Mr Wood the very best in his future endeavours and believe he will be an asset to any organisation that employs his services."
Mr Wood was reappointed to the role at the end of his original five-year contract during a closed portion of council’s ordinary meeting on May 5 2021.
The decision was met with significant community concern and council opposition that the role was not advertised, and a petition with more than 300 residents' signatures was sent to council ahead of the meeting.
Under the terms of the CEO Employment and Remuneration Policy, a committee made up of all of the councillors - plus one independent member appointed by council to act as chairperson - will now begin the search for Mr Wood’s successor.
The committee will advise on the appointment of a recruitment consultant or agency, act as the selection panel and recommend the appointment of the new CEO, including remuneration, terms and conditions of appointment.
The committee of councillors must make a recommendation to council between three and six months prior to the expiry of Mr Wood’s contract.
As Mr Wood’s contract expires in October, the committee’s recommendations are due in July.