Updated
Sutherland Shire Council general manager Scott Phillips has resigned to move overseas.
Mr Phillips advised staff in an email he had taken up an offer to relocate overseas, where he would be continuing his career.
It is understood the career move is linked to personal circumstances, and there has been no falling out with elected councillors.
Mr Phillips will finish at the end of October.
A special council meeting on Tuesday night (October 2) decided to commence recruitment immediately to replace Mr Phillips.
Manjeet Grewal, who has been a member of the executive team for many years, will act in the position of general manager in the interim.
Mr Phillips joined Sutherland Shire Council as general manager three years ago after filling the same role at Hornsby Shire Council.
He replaced John Rayner, who was the shire’s chief administrator for 33 years.
In a joint statement, Mayor Carmelo Pesce and Labor’s caucus leader Cr Peter Scaysbrook said, “We are very sorry to lose Scott, but understand the personal reasons for his departure”.
“Scott’s passion for innovation, combined with his experience and management skills, have been such an asset for this council and we are all grateful for the time we have spent working side by side with Scott.
“On behalf of Sutherland Shire Council, our fellow councillors and the shire community, we would like to thank Scott for his immense contribution to the council over the past few years and wish him every success in his next endeavour.”
Mr Phillips said it had been a great honour to serve the community of the shire.
“I am immensely proud of our achievements over the past few years,” he said.
Mr Phillips thanked all councillors and staff, whom he described as “an incredibly professional and experienced team that I feel very privileged to have been a part of and will miss terribly.”
Mr Phillips has worked for more than 20 years in local government and state government agencies.
