Conducting an Executive Search to Appoint a Chief People Officer for a Values-Based Local Government Council in Victoria
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a metropolitan local government council in Victoria to appoint a Chief People Officer to support a newly appointed CEO and drive strategic people and culture initiatives. The council sought a values-aligned executive to lead transformation, enhance workforce capability, and position the organisation as an employer of choice.
The Council serves over 150,000 residents across Melbourne’s south-east and is recognised for its commitment to community wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusive service delivery. With a strong focus on innovation and civic leadership, the Council required a senior executive who could align people strategy with organisational and community outcomes, while fostering a safe, high-performing and future-ready workforce.
The Process
Future Leadership™, comprising David Baber and Alice Silver, conducted detailed briefing meetings with the Chief Executive Officer at Council. It was determined that the ideal candidate would need to demonstrate a strong cultural fit and possess the presence to engage confidently across all levels of the organisation and community.
Candidates were expected to be progressive and contemporary in both their personal and professional approach, with a solid understanding of public sector operations and the qualities of an effective executive leader. Additionally, they needed the ability to build trust and confidence within a diverse stakeholder environment.
Following an extensive search supported by a targeted advertising campaign, Future Leadership™ presented a strong long short list of candidates. Two rounds of panel interviews were conducted, with the final candidates preparing a presentation to introduce themselves and respond to a strategic people and culture challenge relevant to the Council’s future direction.
The Outcome
The process resulted in the appointment of a seasoned Chief People Officer with extensive experience across public health, higher education, professional services, and technology sectors. The successful candidate brings a strong track record in leading enterprise-wide transformation, industrial relations strategy, and cultural change.
