Justin Hanney has been reappointed as Chief Executive Officer at the City of Melbourne.
Mr Hanney became CEO in 2019 and led the organisation through the challenges of COVID-19.
Working with a new Councillor group, the City of Melbourne has embarked on the most ambitious four-year plan in its history as the city bounces back from the pandemic.
Mr Hanney has worked tirelessly with his team to deliver city-shaping initiatives and impactful programs that will help to facilitate the growth of Melbourne’s economy as it recovers from COVID-19.
Together with the Lord Mayor, Councillors and the wider City of Melbourne team, Mr Hanney has also led the charge to boost visitation and get workers back into city offices.
In 2020, Mr Hanney spearheaded the establishment of two new entities to drive investment and a more resilient recovery.
Through Invest Melbourne, the City of Melbourne is positioning itself to become the first choice for businesses – big, small, and starting up – while Homes Melbourne will deliver far greater access to affordable housing for key workers, along with new services for rough sleepers and the community’s most vulnerable people.
New dedicated neighbourhood partners and online portals will also make it easier for locals to connect with the Council on what matters most to them, as part of a greater focus on the City of Melbourne’s unique communities.
An independent survey commissioned by Council has shown the city’s enviable events calendar and vibrant retail and hospitality scene continues to entice office workers and visitors back in record numbers, while pedestrian data at key precincts including Southbank and Chinatown reached two-year highs in June.
At a Council meeting on Tuesday 28 June, Councillors endorsed the reappointment of Mr Hanney as CEO for a further four years – the contract term will end on 30 June 2026.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“I have seen first-hand the effort that Justin has put in over the past three years to keep our city running during lockdowns.”
“Justin’s leadership has been invaluable during the pandemic when we have needed to be agile and adapt to dramatically changing circumstances including lockdowns and work from home requirements. We are assured stability through the next Council election cycle.”
“He is an exceptional leader – the team at City of Melbourne is stronger, more cohesive and more customer focused since his arrival in 2019.”
“The results of Justin’s leadership and teamwork are seen in the rising foot traffic numbers as people return to the city.”
“We have an ambitious agenda to deliver in 2022 and beyond – and our team’s combined efforts over the past few years demonstrate that we can succeed no matter what comes our way.”
“We are looking forward to working together to deliver our Council Plan 2021-25.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece
“The City of Melbourne was the hardest hit municipality in Australia by the pandemic. During this really challenging time, our CEO did an extraordinary job of leading the Council and our people. He showed incredible resilience and focus, and his leadership was outstanding.”
“The City is now in full recovery mode and we are delighted that Justin will be leading the organisation in this exciting period of new opportunity.”
Quotes attributable to City of Melbourne CEO Justin Hanney
“I have been lucky enough to call the City of Melbourne home for 16 years, and I could not be prouder to continue ensuring Melbourne remains the best place to live, work and study.”
“We have embarked on the most ambitious four-year plan in Council history to reignite our city and support hundreds of thousands of traders, workers, and residents, along with the millions of visitors we welcome every year.”
“My reappointment is a vote of confidence not only in me as the CEO but more importantly the organisation, and the 1,600 committed workforce and hundreds of contractors who commit themselves every day to Melbourne.”
