Hobsons Bay council’s search for a new chief executive is over, with Phu Nguyen appointed to the role.
Originally from Melbourne’s western suburbs, Mr Nguyen is currently the chief executive of the City of Onkaparinga in South Australia and has previously held senior executive positions with councils in Victoria and New South Wales.
Mr Nguyen will take up the position on 19 January, almost a year to the day from when his predecessor, Aaron van Egmond, was suspended pending an investigation into workplace safety concerns.
Mr van Egmond resigned as chief executive in April, and in July the investigation reported that Hobsons Bay council had become a “toxic” workplace under his leadership, with sexual harassment, bullying, excessive workloads and a drinking culture among the issues it identified.
Hobsons Bay council has been without a permanent leader since Mr van Egmond’s suspension, with former Maribyrnong and Wyndham chief executive Kerry Thompson currently acting in the role.
Mr Nguyen has enacted cultural and governance reforms at Onkaparinga council since becoming chief executive there in 2023 and Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander said this made him the standout candidate.
“The CEO Employment Matters Committee structured its selection process around the specific context in which council is working at the moment, which includes an identified need to rebuild its governance, culture and brand while refocussing on service delivery and longer-term strategic priorities,” Cr Kellander said.
“Mr Nguyen is a very experienced executive who grew up in Melbourne’s west and understands the issues facing the region.
“Council is very excited about Mr Nguyen’s appointment, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the west and working with him to build a bright future for council and the community.”
Mr Nguyen said he was thrilled to be appointed to lead and reform Hobsons Bay council.
“I have been given a clear mandate from council to focus on building a high-performing team culture and supporting staff while rebuilding corporate governance,” he said.
“I am excited to return to Melbourne’s vibrant west and to work alongside staff on building a proud organisation that will be known for delivering exceptional community outcomes, financial resilience and a great organisational culture.”
