FRANKSTON Council will look within for their next CEO. Interim CEO Phil Cantillon will be offered the role permanently, The Times understands.
It is understood that councillors made the decision at a special meeting on 7 September. It is understood that council considered over 50 applicants for the role.
Former CEO Dennis Hovenden and council parted ways earlier this year with just four months left on Mr Hovenden’s contract. It was confirmed by council that Mr Hovenden would receive “all his statutory entitlements”. The Frankston Council CEO has previously earned $325,000 annual remuneration including pre-tax payments on a vehicle.
When asked why he resigned, Mr Hovenden provided a short statement which read “I have enjoyed working with council and the staff over the past seven years. I now look forward to taking a break with my family and wish Frankston City Council every success for the future”. Councillors voted in April to advertise the position externally.
Phil Cantillion has been acting CEO since Mr Hovenden’s departure. He has been at council as director of community assets since October 2017.
Municipal monitor Prue Digby, who was appointed by the state government in 2017 to investigate and prepare a report on Frankston Council, was due to finish her tenure in June. She had her stay extended oversee the appointment of a new CEO.