City of Hobart appoints new Chief Executive Officer

Published on 01 November 2023

Highly experienced local government executive Michael Stretton has been announced as the next Chief Executive Officer at the City of Hobart.

Currently the CEO of the City of Launceston, Mr Stretton (pictured) has extensive leadership experience and achievements in the local government sector in Tasmania.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said Mr Stretton was selected by the Council after an extensive and highly-competitive national recruitment process.

“The Council is pleased to have secured someone of Michael’s experience,” Cr Reynolds said.

“He has served as the CEO of the City of Launceston since 2017. Michael is a widely respected local government professional and is recognised as an energetic, collaborative and visionary leader who thinks and acts strategically.

“We look forward to welcoming him to Hobart.”

With masters qualifications in science and business administration, Mr Stretton commenced with the City of Launceston 2012 as the Director of Development Services before taking up the position of General Manager at Waratah-Wynyard Council for three years until 2017 when he took the helm at the City of Launceston.

Mr Stretton succeeds CEO of two years Kelly Grigsby, who resigned in July 2023 to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer with the Municipal Association of Victoria.

Mr Stretton has been appointed for a term of five years and will commence in the role on 5 February 2024.

“I would like to thank both Kat Panjari and Jacqui Allen for their stewardship and hard work as Acting CEO since July this year,” Cr Reynolds said.

Jacqui Allen will continue to act in the role until Mr Stretton’s commencement.