FRANKSTON Council’s new chief executive officer has been appointed to begin her work in mid-January.
Last Monday, 10 November, Frankston councillors appointed Tennille Bradley to be their new permanent CEO. Bradley will take over from interim CEO Cam Arullanantham, who has been overseeing the council since former CEO Phil Cantillon’s departure in July.
Bradley has worked with the City of Greater Geelong since 2022, currently serving as its placemaking executive director. She says the similarities between the two municipalities will work to her advantage when she begins her work.
“Frankston City has long been compared to Geelong, and now it’s Frankston’s time to shine. I am thrilled to join a city with such potential and pride, and to lead an organisation with strong capability and heart,” the incoming CEO said. “In my time at the City of Greater Geelong, we’ve developed some exciting new initiatives such as our major events strategy, international engagement strategy, and improving our collaboration with developers to ensure sustainable growth and strong planning outcomes for all stakeholders. We’re already seeing results in Greater Geelong from this work, and I believe Frankston has some huge potential just waiting to be tapped into.
“Frankston is a city on the rise. You can feel the momentum and ambition here, from the waterfront to the hospital precinct, the metropolitan activity centre and the new investment landing across its suburbs. I’m excited to work closely with the mayor, councillors, staff, partners and the community to build on this momentum and ensure Frankston City grows in a way that is sustainable, inclusive and true to the city’s identity and strengths.”
The CEO recruitment process was undertaken alongside Davidson Executive Search and overseen by the CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee. Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said Bradley’s appointment “represents an exciting new chapter for the city.”
“Frankston City is changing, and changing fast. We are delivering major infrastructure, welcoming unprecedented public and private investment, strengthening our partnerships across government and industry, and shaping the next chapter in Frankston City’s growth as a key metropolitan city,” Cr Bolam said. “We have the plan, the partnerships, the progress and the political leadership. Now we have the corporate leadership and continued momentum to take Frankston City to the next level.
“We are thrilled to welcome Frankston City Council’s first female CEO. With three of our five executive leaders already women, this appointment continues our commitment to diversity and equity across the city council. Tennille brings exceptional credentials, proven executive leadership, and a deep passion for delivering community-led outcomes. She understands growing cities, the importance of strategic advocacy, and how to lead high-performing teams through opportunity and change.”
Cr Bolam also paid tribute to Arullanantham, who is expected to remain at council after his tenure as interim CEO ends.
“Cam has provided steady hands, calm leadership and unwavering commitment to our community and staff during this period of change,” Cr Bolam said. “Cam has been an outstanding leader and I absolutely encourage him to seek future leadership opportunities given the enormity of what he has been able to achieve in such a small amount of time as the interim CEO”.
First published in the Frankston Times – 18 November 2025