Hamilton City Council has appointed Lance Vervoort (pictured) as its new Chief Executive.
Mr Vervoort has been Council’s General Manager – Community for the past decade after joining the Council in 2010.
Hamilton Mayor, Paula Southgate said the search for a new Chief Executive had been wide and thorough.
“The role of the Chief Executive is incredibly important at this time. Our whole sector is facing massive change and we will be looking to the Chief Executive to advise us well and ensure Hamilton is in the best possible place to influence that change,” she said.
“We had a number of exceptional people apply who were all genuinely excited at the opportunity to lead a city which is seen as very progressive and in very good heart. I sincerely congratulate Lance on securing the job. Council looks forward to working with him in his new role, backed by his very capable team. He is an outstanding person to work with – straightforward, honest and extremely hardworking and he will bring his own unique flavour to the role.”
In 2016, Mr Vervoort was awarded the Recreation Aotearoa Ian Galloway Memorial Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the parks, gardens and open space sector.
Vervoort joined Hamilton City as Parks and Gardens Manager in 2010 and was promoted to General Manager – Community within six months.
During his time at Council, he has overseen significant upgrades and developments of major facilities plus led the implementation of Council’s high-performance framework to drive staff productivity. He has negotiated major funding partnerships involving city playgrounds, the zoo and Hamilton Gardens and remains Chair of the Rototuna Indoor Recreation Centre Trust.
“I’ve had the privilege of driving some important initiatives for Hamilton but we’re now entering a time of real change for the city. There are massive growth opportunities as well as many challenges ahead. As a major New Zealand city we must be prepared for those,” Mr Vervoort said.
“I’m looking forward to driving that change, but doing so in a way that takes the community along with us. I’m a realist. I know change can be challenging but it can also be very positive if you plan and manage it well.”
Mr Vervoort will start his role on 18 October on a salary of $370,800 including Council’s Kiwisaver contribution and a vehicle.
