From time to time councils require the services of an Acting CEO or an Interim CEO. These positions become vacant due to the existing CEO vacating the chair as a result of approved leave, secondment, resignation, or dismissal. In most cases, councils fill acting and interim roles with an internal appointment, but at other times, an external CEO is the preferred option.
There are some slight differences between the role of an Acting CEO and an Interim CEO.
Role of an Acting CEO
Acting CEOs are usually appointed for a defined period of time while the existing CEO is on approved leave or secondment. An acting CEO will, of course, be subject to the direction of the elected council, but he or she would normally take riding instructions from the existing CEO at the time of appointment.
The primary roles of an acting CEO include:
- Establish good working relationships with the Councillors and especially the Mayor as soon as possible and understand their expectations over the Acting period;
- Meet with as many employees as possible to establish rapport and trust;
- Meet with as many key stakeholders as possible to understand their needs;
- Ensure that the financial performance of the council remains strong;
- Understand the key strategic and operational challenges faced by the organisation; and
- Report to the existing CEO at the end of the assignment on important observations, and make recommendations for change.
Role of an Interim CEO
Interim CEOs are usually appointed for an open-ended period of time after the existing CEO has left the employment of the council and before a replacement CEO has been appointed. In cases where the existing CEO has left the council in unfavourable circumstances, the interim CEO will have some unique challenges and roles in addition to those experienced by an acting CEO. These include:
- Address any negative cultural issues or poor performance that may pervade the organisation;
- Support the staff so that they feel confident and engaged;
- Potentially assist the council to find a replacement CEO;
- Report to the council and/or the new CEO at the end of the assignment on important observations, and made recommendations for change.
Miller Consult is able to support any council in Australia that requires an acting or interim CEO or Director Corporate Services or similar role. Please contact Dean if you require support or advice in this area.
Miller Consult 