CEO hunt goes outside

Locals will vie with candidates from across country

GEELONG’S council will cast its net far and wide in the hunt for a new chief executive — but it may well end up buying local.

City of Greater Geelong councillors have decided to appoint an external recruitment firm to co-ordinate the search, which is expected to sound out potential candidates across the country. It follows the resignation of Kelvin Spiller, who announced last week he would finish up his tumultuous stint at City Hall at the end of March.

Mayor Bruce Harwood said the recruitment firm would scout widely, but he also forecast the likelihood of multiple local candidates being reviewed.

“You would certainly want to reach as far as you can,” Cr Harwood said. “But there is no doubt people will have ideas about who could do the role.

“There are potentially a number of people in Geelong who can put their hand up and be considered.”

Among local names being floated are Avalon Airport chief executive Justin Giddings, who has been in his role for almost nine years. Cr Harwood said councillors this week also discussed the format of an internal recruitment committee.

“It could include one or two external persons to offer advice and assistance,” he said.

The process for appointing a new CEO will be on the agenda for the new council’s first public meeting, to be held on Tuesday.

“There are potentially a number of people in Geelong who can put their hand up and be considered.” MAYOR BRUCE HARWOOD ( RIGHT)