FRANKSTON Council has tapped its infrastructure and operation director to serve as interim CEO.
Cam Arullanantham has been appointed to succeed outgoing CEO Phil Cantillon on an interim basis. Arullanantham will begin on 18 July. Arullanantham has worked at Frankston Council as director of infrastructure and operations since 2020. Before that he was council’s acting director of community assets and manager of buildings and facilities during the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre construction. Frankston Council will begin searching for a permanent CEO next month. The interim CEO has been appointed for up to six months.
Arullanantham said “I’m truly honoured and humbled by the confidence the mayor and councillors have placed in me to lead the organisation and serve the community during such a pivotal time.” “I’m very excited by the opportunity ahead and it is a privilege to lead and continue the work of this great organisation, particularly at a time when a new council plan has been adopted, and major public and private sector investment is underway. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I’m committed to serving with integrity, focus and care,” he said. “My focus will be on maintaining stability and ensuring we continue to deliver the services and infrastructure that matter most to our community.”
Frankston councillors confirmed that appointment at a meeting last week. Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said “the appointment followed a formal recruitment process managed by the CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee, and comes at a critical time for council.”
“With major infrastructure projects underway, a newly adopted budget, and significant investment flowing into the city, strong leadership is essential — and we are confident Cam is the right person to guide us through this period of transition,” he said.
Phil Cantillon announced his resignation in June. he had served as Frankston Council CEO since 2019.
First published in the Frankston Times – 15 July 2025