Hills council votes to have CEO sacked
A hills council CEO is taking home a big pay out after being stood down, while another SA council chief has quit his role.
Adelaide Hills councillors have voted to terminate the employment of current CEO Greg Georgopoulos following a special council meeting on Wednesday evening.
Georgopoulos had been in the role since 2023 after spending more than two decades in the local government sector. He previously spent five years as CEO at the Kangaroo Island Council and was director of infrastructure and environment at the City of Prospect.
“Council determined that we need a new strategic direction in our leadership to best support our evolving strategic priorities,” a council spokesperson said.
“The council sincerely thanks Greg for his service, commitment to our community and contributions to our preparedness for future sustainability.”
Under the terms of his contract, Georgopoulos will take home six months’ pay in lieu of notice from his $278,710 annual salary.
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The council has appointed its director of environment and infrastructure Jade Ballantine as the acting CEO effective immediately “to ensure stability and continuity in our daily operations”.
“We will soon commence a comprehensive search for a new CEO as part of our refreshed strategic vision for the Adelaide Hills Council region,” a council statement said.
“We remain fully committed to delivering high-quality services and executing the initiatives that matter most to our ratepayers.”
Meanwhile, CEO of District Council of Karoonda East Murray Scott Reardon has resigned from his position after accepting a “new career opportunity”.
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“While we are naturally disappointed to see Scott leave, we are incredibly grateful for the leadership, professionalism and commitment he has shown to the District Council of Karoonda East Murray over the past two years,” a council spokesperson said.
“Scott has played a significant role in strengthening our organisation and helping position council well for the future.
“The good news is that Scott will remain with council over the coming months, allowing plenty of time for a thorough handover and a smooth transition. During this time, council will also commence the process of recruitment for the CEO role.”
The latest positional departures follow an exodus of council CEOs in the past two years.
Victor Harbor Council CEO Victoria MacKirdy announced in May she would be leaving the role to lead the peak local government body LGA South Australia. MacKirdy is expected to conclude her role with council on July 17 as a recruitment process continues.
Walkerville Council’s Andrew Johnson announced his resignation in May, while Mid Murray Council chief Ben Scales also resigned in the same month.
Peterborough District Council sacked Deirdre Albrighton in February after two months in the role and District Council of Tumby Bay also concluded its employment with CEO Darren Keenan earlier this year.
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