Council appoints new CEO

Sunshine Coast Council has selected dynamic, highly experienced leader John Baker as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Mr Baker brought extensive leadership experience in both the United Kingdom and Australia to the role.

He has managed large public and private sector organisations, secured outstanding results in commercial and government settings and delivered major projects, both here and overseas.  

“I am delighted Council has been able to secure someone of John Baker’s calibre to lead our organisation,” Mayor Natoli said.  

“He demonstrates values-based, collaborative leadership, he values strong community engagement and prioritises excellent service delivery.” 

Mr Baker is currently the CEO at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, which is the fifth largest local government area in Victoria, a position he has held since 2018.  

He moved from the UK to Australia 10 years ago. 

In that time and prior to commencing with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, he worked across public, private and not-for-profit environments including as lead partner for Local Government Practice with Ernst & Young and KPMG. 

Mayor Natoli said Council was particularly impressed with Mr Baker’s solid track record in stakeholder management, especially in politically complex environments, alongside strong financial management. 

“His commitment to delivering community-centred outcomes, while appreciating the importance of sustainability and liveability, was valued,” Mayor Natoli said.   

“Mr Baker’s dedication to his community aligns with Council’s priorities.  

“Add to that a highly developed financial acumen and a self-confessed desire to empower others to succeed, and you have the makings of an excellent CEO. 

“Responsible for large transformation initiatives in the public sector nationally, Mr Baker also demonstrates a strong understanding of regional growth and development.

“His work on major infrastructure projects and capital program restructuring is relevant to the Sunshine Coast’s ambitions for regional development and economic resilience.  

“All of these attributes, together with collaborative and innovative ideas demonstrate a strong alignment with the Sunshine Coast Council’s values and strategic objectives. 

“Our Council has unanimously supported this appointment today.

“When Mr Baker commences with us in December, his early priorities will be centred on learning about the Sunshine Coast culture and landscape, and continuing to build and shape this organisation while ensuring our community is totally engaged in how we are delivering our projects and services.” 

Mr Baker said he was looking forward to his new role.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining the Sunshine Coast Council and to have the opportunity to serve such a dynamic and magical place,” Mr Baker said.

“The Sunshine Coast’s unique blend of natural beauty and thriving communities makes it an exceptional place to live and work. 

“I look forward to working with the Council, staff and community to continue building on this wonderful region’s success.”

Mr Baker was appointed from an original pool of 138 applicants following a rigorous process involving application assessment, three rounds of interviews, psychometric testing, referee reports and pre-employment screening. 

He has been appointed for a term of five years, and while the terms of the employment contract are confidential, he will receive a remuneration package (including salary, superannuation contributions and a motor vehicle allowance) with a total value of $550,000. 

Mayor Natoli also took the opportunity to publicly acknowledge and thank Acting CEO Debra Robinson for her outstanding work in leading the organisation since June this year. 

“Our Council is enormously grateful for Ms Robinson’s stewardship over the past four months,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Debra has steered Council through the delivery of the 2024-25 Budget and has been actively involved with businesses and the community on a wide range of activities. 

“To successfully navigate challenges of the scale she has, takes a pretty unique individual and Ms Robinson deserves full credit for her time as Acting CEO.

“Personally, she has been an inspiring influence and incredible support to me.

“She will continue to play a major role in the organisation in her role as Group Executive, Customer and Planning Services, guiding implementation of our Planning Scheme and leadership of a significant number of projects.” 

Ms Robinson will continue as Council’s Acting CEO until Mr Baker starts in the role on December 16, 2024.