Patricia Reade, Auckland Council’s current Director of People and Performance, will be appointed to Acting Chief Executive of the council when Stephen Town departs in June.
Ms Reade’s appointment was agreed today by the council’s Governing Body who also endorsed an adjusted timeline for the appointment of a new Chief Executive, taking into account Mr Town’s early departure.
Mayor Phil Goff says the Governing Body will continue to oversee the process to appoint a new Chief Executive.
“We have brought forward the timeframe for appointing a replacement Chief Executive by around eight weeks without affecting the quality of the recruitment process.
“We aim to have the preferred candidate confirmed by late July with their start date dependent on their notice period, but hopefully before the end of the year.
“Appointing Patricia as Acting Chief Executive will ensure stability and continuity of leadership in that intervening time and we look forward to working with her in this leadership role,” he says.
Ms Reade joined Auckland Council in 2010 as its first Chief Operating Officer and was appointed to her current role in 2017. Prior to joining council, Ms Reade was Head of Work and Income NZ (WINZ). Ms Reade has in-depth knowledge of council, has strong networks with central government, is an excellent leader, and will provide the stability that our staff, elected members and stakeholders are seeking at this time.
Stephen Town was appointed as Chief Executive of Auckland Council by the Governing Body in November 2013 for an initial five-year term. In June 2018, the Governing Body extended his contract for a further two years ending 31 December 2020.
On 3 February 2020 Mr Town announced his resignation effective 25 June 2020.
The Governing Body is responsible for appointing the council’s Chief Executive.
The timeline for the recruitment has been updated with the aim of having a new Chief Executive confirmed as soon as possible after the current Chief Executive departs.
Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Governing Body and a preferred candidate selected. Their start date will be agreed based on their availability and any existing notice period.
