Yarra City Council has appointed Ms Sue Wilkinson as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a five-year term. 

Ms Wilkinson has extensive experience within the local government sector, most recently as the CEO of Darebin Council. She has also been CEO at Colac Otway Shire and has worked in senior roles at Monash and Port Phillip councils.

Yarra Mayor Cr Sophie Wade said the Council was delighted by Sue’s appointment and looked forward to working with her to achieve great things for the City of Yarra.

“Ms Wilkinson is a highly experienced strategic and collaborative leader whose strong networks will greatly benefit the organisation and municipality” Mayor Wade said.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Sue to Yarra City Council and are confident in her ability to deliver on Council’s ambitious Council Plan and community expectations.”

“Sue is a positive and inclusive leader, whose wealth of experience puts her in a good position to assist Yarra in not only overcoming future challenges but also to identify new and exciting opportunities.”

Ms Wilkinson said she was honoured by the appointment.

“I am deeply committed to delivering the priorities of Council and the Yarra community and will work in partnership with staff and Councillors to achieve positive outcomes in the years ahead,” she said.

“I am really excited to be given the opportunity to lead Yarra City Council and be a part of this progressive, innovative and vibrant community.”

Mayor Wade said, “I would like to thank Jude Munro, Independent Advisor to the Councillors during this process. Jude’s experience has been invaluable to Councillors throughout the recruitment period.”

Mayor Wade also thanked Chris Leivers who has served as Acting CEO at Yarra since December 2021. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Chris who has exercised impeccable leadership and provided sound advice in his leadership of the organisation over the past three months,” she said.

“Chris has led with integrity and has worked collaboratively with Councillors to ensure a stable transition following the departure of long-term CEO Vijaya Vaidyanath.” 

Ms Wilkinson will start at Yarra on 27 June 2022.