Colac Otway appoints new General Manager
November 8, 2018
Colac Otway Shire Council has appointed Ian Seuren to the position of General Manager Development and Community Services, replacing former GM Gareth Smith.
Council Chief Executive Peter Brown said Ian, who has been in an acting role as GM Development and Community Services since Gareth's departure last month, will formally start his new role on Monday.
"Ian has been successful in his application for the General Manager position against a very strong field of candidates and Council is pleased to appoint him to the Executive Management Team,” Mr Brown said.
"Ian has held the role as Manager Arts and Leisure at Colac Otway Shire for the past eight years and during that time he has acted as GM Infrastructure and Leisure covering periods of leave.
"Among Ian’s recent achievements for the Shire was his work to ensure AFL football's Colac debut was a success by very capably leading and working with a number of key stakeholders to deliver the AFL JLT community match.
"Ian also led the Central Reserve Redevelopment Project from advocacy to delivery, and was responsible for the development of Council’s first Public Open Space Strategy," Mr Brown said.
“He has lived locally for 14 years, and before starting at Colac Otway, he worked in State Government for five years in regional economic and community development.
"Ian brings extensive experience in the public sector to the role and he demonstrates a strong, consultative, supportive and values-based leadership style which he has developed through leading diverse teams, both within work and community contexts.”
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400