Delivering an Executive Search to secure a transformative Chief Information Officer for a local government organisation in Victoria, supporting its digital uplift, technology modernisation, and organisational change ambitions.
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a large local government authority in Victoria to appoint a Chief Information Officer to lead a strategic uplift of technology capability, deliver a contemporary digital environment, and guide cultural and organisational change. The appointment was crucial as the organisation sought to improve customer experience, modernise systems, and embed new ways of working aligned to its broader organisational strategy.
The role required a senior leader capable of driving major technology transformation, introducing modern collaboration tools, building strong stakeholder relationships, and shaping a high‑performance IT culture.
Process
Future Leadership™ undertook a comprehensive national search process tailored to the organisation’s need for an innovative, strategic and people‑centred technology leader.
Key steps included:
- Briefing and Strategy Development:
Engaged with executive stakeholders to clarify strategic priorities, including the need for strong cultural leadership, digital strategy execution, and introduction of M365 tools with minimal disruption. - Targeted Candidate Search:
Leveraged national networks, digital advertising via Seek and LinkedIn, and the Future Leadership opportunities page. Additional sourcing included referrals, proprietary databases, and talent pools from similar search assignments. - Assessment and Shortlisting:
All internal candidates were assessed. In total, 192 applications were reviewed, with a longlist of high‑calibre candidates from within and beyond the local government sector. - Client Engagement:
A long shortlist was presented, followed by facilitated discussion, candidate interviews, reference checks and guidance through negotiations.
The Outcome
The process resulted in the appointment of a highly experienced digital transformation executive with a proven record of leading complex technology environments across education, transport and health sectors.
The successful candidate brought:
- Extensive executive experience as CIO, CDO and transformation leader
- A 30‑year track record of digital uplift, operational improvement, and organisational capability building
- Deep expertise in cultural leadership, governance, planning, and large‑scale digital programs
- A strong ability to engage stakeholders and communicate complex strategy with clarity
- Demonstrated success delivering enterprise‑wide systems, modern customer‑facing platforms, and transformation in complex public sector settings
Their appointment has enabled the organisation to advance its digital strategy, strengthen internal capability, improve customer experience, and progress a technology operating model aligned to its future state.
