Bass Coast appoints its new CEO from within

THE Bass Coast Shire Council has appointed its new Chief Executive Officer from within.

He is Greg Box, the Council’s General Manager of Partnerships, Economy and Culture who has worked at Bass Coast Shire for almost three years,

His tenure at Bass Coast follows almost 30 years of local government leadership experience at Yarra Ranges Council and the City of Greater Dandenong.

Mr Box will begin his new role on January 29. He replaces former CEO Ali Wastie who finished at Council in July.

External executive recruitment firm Davidson was appointed by Council to lead the process which saw over 25 applicants for the role and took five months to complete.

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve thanked general managers Jodi Kennedy and James Stirton who have shared the acting CEO role with Mr Box this year.

Cr Le Serve said Mr Box had impressed the recruitment committee with his passion and innovative ideas to grow the Bass Coast economy.

“The recruitment process attracted a field of high-quality candidates. A short list was then put forward to Councillors for formal interviews and the preferred candidate progressed to reference checks and testing. Councillors then voted to endorse the outstanding candidate to help lead the team into the future,” Cr Le Serve said.

Mr Box joined Bass Coast Shire Council in 2020 and his most recent areas of responsibility have been Communications, Advocacy and Engagement, Economic Development, Customer and Visitor Experience, Business and Industry Development, Events, and Arts Culture and Heritage. He is also a Board member of Destination Phillip Island Regional Tourism and Destination Gippsland.

Mr Box said it was a privilege to serve the Bass Coast community and that he was focussed on Council delivering great service for ratepayers and ensuring Bass Coast continues to set the standard for the rest of the state.

“Council must play a critical, leading role in the region to improve the lives of all residents, but first we must ensure top class delivery of all basic services,” Mr Box said.

“Bass Coast has done a fantastic job in recent years in attracting more people to live and work, as well as growing our critical visitor economy. We will continue that growth through innovation and strong leadership.

“I am also passionate and driven about the essential role culture plays in our lives and Council will continue to celebrate our thriving culture that makes the region such a great place to live.”

Council General Manager Jodi Kennedy will continue as Acting CEO until Mr Box starts his new role.