AFTER nearly six years at the helm, Frankston Council CEO Phil Cantillon has resigned. Cantillon has been CEO of Frankston Council since September 2019. He previously served the role in an interim capacity, and had worked at Frankston Council since 2017.
Last week, Cantillon announced his intention to step down. He said “I’ve always believed the best time to hand over the reins is when things are going well. Frankston City is in a strong place, our plans are clear and our direction is aligned with the community we serve.” “Leading Frankston City has been the privilege of my career,” he said. “Working with a dedicated council and an organisation full of passionate, talented people has been incredibly rewarding.”
In an email sent to council staff last Monday, Cantillon said “notching up 40 years, working for three state governments (Vic/NSW/Tas), then turning to a career in local government, has been incredibly satisfying. But, I’ve decided to call it a day and take a good break.”
Cantillon is expected to leave on 18 July. Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said the search for an interim CEO is underway. “Council will now appoint an interim CEO before undertaking a comprehensive recruitment process to find a permanent successor. The market for executive talent is strong, and with Frankston City’s growing reputation, I’m confident we’ll attract a very high calibre field of candidates,” Bolam said.
The mayor paid tribute to the outgoing CEO. He cited the completion of the Jubilee Park Stadium project, the commencement of works on Frankston Stadium, the launch of the Frankston Business Collective, and the securing of $50 million in federal funding for Nepean Highway upgrades among Cantillon’s achievements.
“Phil has been a consummate professional throughout his tenure, and his time as Chief Executive Officer should be celebrated as a period of growth and renewal, both within the organisation and across our city,” Bolam said. “Frankston is undergoing a genuine transformation, and Phil’s leadership has been instrumental in building that momentum. On behalf of councillors, staff and the wider community, I thank Phil for his indelible service and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
The CEO’s replacement will inherit a comfortable wage – in the 2023/2024 financial year, Frankston Council’s CEO received total remuneration between $470,000 and $479,000 (“Cash splash on CEO role” The Times 15/10/2024).
Cantillon took over the job from Dennis Hovenden in 2019. In 2023 he signed a contract extension lasting until 2026 – Cantillon will be paid until his last day of employment and his contract will not be paid out.
First published in the Frankston Times – 24 June 2025