Regional council appoints interim chief executive

Media statement by Chairman Nicol Horrell

I’m pleased to announce that the Council has appointed Rob Phillips as the interim chief executive.

Our current chief executive, Wilma Falconer, retires at the end of August and Rob will take on the interim role from then, until the new Council can recruit a permanent chief executive, following the local government elections in October.

Rob Phillips was Environment Southland’s chief executive for 10 years until he retired in May 2022.

Rob lives in Invercargill and has the experience and understanding to get up to speed quickly with the Council’s business. He is also a familiar face and will provide continuity for staff and during a time of much change in the local government sector.

We are fortunate to have an experienced chief executive of Rob’s calibre to support the Council through this interim period.