BRIAN PIDGEON

AS ONE of Toowoomba’s most powerful and influential public servants, Brian Pidgeon oversees a budget worth nearly $500 million and a workforce of more than 1800 staff.

The Toowoomba Regional Council CEO plays a calm and concerted role in the council chambers, but is known for his studious work ethic behind the scenes.

As the man who was twice thrown into the top job to cover for the shock departures of previous CEOs, he is now the council’s longest-serving chief executive to date.

With 35 years of local government experience, Mr Pidgeon’s background is in environment health and professional management.

He held several roles at Ipswich City Council in the 1990s before joining the Toowoomba City Council as the manager of health services.

Mr Pidgeon was appointed the director of community and environmental services after this, and became the general manager for environment and community services when the council was amalgamated in 2008.

He was handed the top job temporarily after the shock resignation of Philip Spencer, just months after being appointed.

He then found himself in the role of interim CEO again after controversial chief executive Ken Gouldthorp quit after three years.

But after sifting through 150 applications, Mayor Paul Antonio and the council handed Mr Pidgeon the reins in 2013.

His pay became the focal point of a massive rift between the councillors last year when it was revealed he had been paid as an acting CEO for years.

An avid motorsport enthusiast, Mr Pidgeon has three adult children.