Fremantle Council has appointed Glen Dougall as the City’s Chief Executive Officer for the next four years.
His appointment as CEO follows an extensive recruitment process which saw 82 applications received from around Australia in response to both advertising and a targeted executive search.
Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said Mr Dougall stood out on the basis of his strong and compelling vision for the future in what was a highly competitive field.
While noting that Mr Dougall had provided stability and focus as Acting CEO over the past 12 months, it was his ability to address the challenges and opportunities ahead that most impressed the Selection Panel.
She said Mr Dougall’s appointment as CEO heralded a new era for the City and was excited about working with him to achieve great things for Fremantle.
“In the past year we’ve seen a number of leadership changes at the City, as well as the move into our new home at the Walyalup Civic Centre, the transition to activity based working for our staff and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.
“We have a very capable and strong team at Fremantle and this appointment will be the catalyst for the City to take the next step in its journey to create a thriving future for our community.
“The Selection Panel noted Glen’s enthusiasm for the future of the City, innovative ideas for improvements, strategic ability and thorough knowledge of governance, finance and economic development.
“I warmly congratulate Glen on his appointment to the role and look forward to continuing the positive and productive relationship he has with me and the Council.”
Mr Dougall said it was a privilege to accept the position of CEO with the City of Fremantle.
He has been employed at the City since 2005, became the City’s Director of City Business in 2014 and has been Acting CEO since June last year.
“I’m excited by the prospect of supporting the council’s and the community’s goals over the next four years,” Mr Dougall said.
“I intend to continue to grow and develop the organisation into a capable and empowered City which will focus on customer service, deliver outcomes for our community and continue with our journey of culture development.
“Rather than make wholesale structural changes we will consolidate and refine our strengths, look to develop our own staff where possible and remain agile when needed.
“I will be a visible CEO for our external stakeholders and community, and I will continue to foster our relationships with government, industry, community services and our precinct and community groups.
“It’s essential that the City looks to grow revenue opportunities outside of property rates. We need to grow our seven-day economy, encourage emerging businesses and foster appropriate residential development.
“I look forward to working with the Future of Fremantle Planning Committee and other agencies to ensure the growth and prosperity of Fremantle, and I’m excited by the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Mayor and council to improve the liveability of Fremantle.”
Background on Glen Dougall
Mr Dougall has been employed by the City of Fremantle since 2005, initially as the Director Corporate Services (2005 – 2014) and since 2014 as the Director of City Business. He is currently CEO in an acting capacity on a 12-month contract. Prior to joining the City of Fremantle he held the Director Corporate Services roles at the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale (2000 – 2005) and the Shire of Murray (1997 – 2000). Earlier career history includes finance roles at the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Lake Grace and the Shire of Mundaring.
Mr Dougall’s qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Business (Management) completed with Distinction and a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Financial Management and Economics and a minor in Accounting, both from Curtin University of Technology. He has also completed the Company Directors Diploma with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
