New CEO endorsed and ready to start work

In his most previous role – four years as CEO of the Northern Territory’s Power and Water Corporation – his organisation serviced 1.4 million square kilometres.

As CEO, he had responsibility for delivery of electricity generation and distribution, water and gas services throughout the Northern Territory.

Like Mackay Regional Council, that organisation had 1000 employees, as well as outsourced services, making it one of the Northern Territory’s largest businesses.

“I have an affinity with working and living in regional areas,’’ Mr Thomson said.

“Prior to my four years with Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory, I was interim CEO for United Energy and Multinet Gas in Victoria from 2013 to 2015,’’ he said.

“I’m really excited about my new role with council. It will be my first local government job and I’m especially looking forward to playing a key role in helping to make a tangible difference for the community.”

Mr Thomson’s appointment as new CEO was formally endorsed by the full council at an ordinary meeting today.

He will officially start work this Monday (August 17), replacing outgoing CEO Craig Doyle, who has been in the role for four-and-a-half years.

Today’s council meeting was Mr Doyle’s last before he officially finishes with council this week. He’s doing a handover with Mr Thomson today and tomorrow.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Mr Thomson was selected from a long list of well-credentialled applicants after a rigorous selection process.

“As part of that process, shortlisted applicants made presentations to the full council before Mr Thomson was chosen as the preferred candidate,’’ he said.

“It will be fantastic to have him onboard, bringing a wealth of experience to his new challenge.”

Cr Williamson said it was also wonderful that the departing CEO was able to do a handover with the incoming CEO.

“It is rare that there is that opportunity in major private sector or public organisations and the handover will help with Mr Thomson’s transition to his new role,’’ he said.

The Mayor paid tribute to Mr Doyle, who announced in June he was resigning to take up an opportunity as the inaugural CEO of a start-up company in the resources sector.

“Craig can be extremely proud of what he has achieved in his four-and-a-half years with council,’’ he said.

“He’s certainly left a legacy in terms of the culture of the organisation, especially safety, as well as the delivery of major projects that will benefit our community for years to come.”