Craig Lloyd Appointed as New CEO of City of Joondalup After Extensive Search
The City of Joondalup has concluded a comprehensive nationwide search by appointing Craig Lloyd as its new chief executive officer. This announcement marks a significant leadership transition for the prominent Perth municipality.
Extensive Search and Leadership Transition
The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process that commenced after former CEO James Pearson informed staff in June that he would not seek reappointment when his contract concluded. Pearson had led the city since early 2021 and completed his term last month.
Joondalup's search spanned several months and crossed state boundaries, ultimately selecting Lloyd from his previous role as CEO of the City of Whittlesea in Melbourne, where he had served since 2020.
Craig Lloyd's Professional Background
Craig Lloyd brings more than two decades of diverse experience across local and State government, emergency management, and community services. His career began as a police officer in the United Kingdom before he relocated to Victoria in 2003.
Prior to his tenure at the City of Whittlesea, Lloyd served as CEO of the neighbouring Murrindindi Shire Council for two-and-a-half years. At Whittlesea, he led significant organisational reform following the dismissal of the entire council prior to his appointment.
The City of Joondalup highlighted Lloyd's expertise in several key areas:
- Digital transformation initiatives
- Customer service improvement programs
- Organisational performance enhancement
- Collaborative leadership style
- Strong governance focus
Leadership Challenges and Recognition
Lloyd's tenure at Whittlesea included notable challenges. Last year, he made headlines after barring the mayor from attending in-person council meetings due to allegations of intimidating behaviour and poor conduct. The State Government subsequently suspended the mayor for six months, with findings that the mayor had brought the council into disrepute.
Despite these challenges, Lloyd's leadership was recognised when the City of Whittlesea council voted in February to offer him a new contract that would have extended his tenure until at least 2031.
Official Statements and Community Vision
In his response to the appointment, Lloyd expressed honour and privilege, describing Joondalup as "a forward-thinking, vibrant and diverse city." He emphasised his commitment to building on the city's strong foundations.
"I'm excited to build on Joondalup's strong foundations and work closely with our elected members, staff and the community to deliver what matters most to our residents," Lloyd stated. "As the gateway to Perth's northern suburbs, Joondalup plays a vital role as a regional city and economic hub and I look forward to the opportunities ahead as we continue to shape a sustainable and prosperous future together."
City of Joondalup mayor Daniel Kingston confirmed the council's unanimous decision, welcoming Lloyd's experience, values, and leadership approach.
"Craig is a highly respected and accomplished local government leader with a proven record of strong organisational performance and positive community outcomes," Kingston said. "Craig's experience leading complex organisations, combined with his commitment to innovation, transparency and community engagement, makes him an excellent fit for the city."
Kingston added that the city is entering "an exciting period of opportunity" and expressed confidence that Lloyd would provide "the strategic leadership needed to support our community, our staff and our long-term aspirations."
Contract Details and Transition Arrangements
As CEO of a band 1 municipality classified by the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal, Lloyd is set to receive a salary exceeding $439,000. He will formally commence his tenure on May 25, with the city's director of infrastructure services, Nico Claassen, continuing as temporary CEO until that date.
This appointment represents a strategic move for the City of Joondalup as it seeks to leverage Lloyd's extensive experience in organisational reform, digital transformation, and community-focused governance to advance its position as a key regional hub in Perth's northern suburbs.
