HUGH Phemister has been appointed interim CEO for Willoughby City Council.

As Planning and Infrastructure Director since 2021, Hugh Phemister has overseen town planning, engineering design, transport and traffic, project delivery maintenance teams, waste collection, and property portfolios.

Before his position within Willoughby City Council, Hugh Phemister worked in senior executive roles for private corporations, not-for-profit organisations, and other government sectors.

Previously, Hugh held the Executive Director role for the NSW Government’s Land and Housing Corporation.

‘Hugh is an experienced government senior executive with many years of strong and effective community service, and therefore is a very suitable choice for the interim CEO position,’ says Willoughby City Council Mayor Tanya Taylor. ‘By announcing Mr Phemister as the interim CEO, Council is making an internal appointment which provides certainty and continuity for all staff and Councillors.’

Hugh Phemister assumed the role of interim CEO on the 4th of March 2024, following the retirement of CEO Debra Just.

‘Ms Just built a positive culture within the organisation and gained the respect and admiration of her staff and peers,’ said Mayor Taylor, thanking Debra Just for her service.

In accordance with the Office of Local Government’s Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Managers, Council has established a panel for the recruitment of a permanent CEO. The recruitment process will be conducted by an external agency.