CEO and directors

The executive leadership team comprises the chief executive officer, three directors and the chief people officer.

Chief Executive Officer, Phu Nguyen

Phu Nguyen..jpg

 

Phu is an experienced local government executive with more than 20 years working across the sector in senior leadership roles.

He most recently served as chief executive officer of the City of Onkaparinga, South Australia’s largest council by population. Prior to that, Phu spent more than eight years as chief financial officer at the City of Melbourne and has also held roles as deputy general manager (deputy CEO) and director of city governance at Campbelltown City Council in outer Sydney.

As CEO, Phu is responsible for the overall operation of Hobsons Bay City Council, implementing the strategic direction set by the Mayor and Councillors. The communications, engagement and advocacy teams report directly to the CEO.

Interim Director Corporate Services, Allison Kenwood

Allison Kenwood

 

Allison is an experienced leader with more than 30 years in public and community services sectors, drawing on 16 years in state government, five years in local government, and significant community sector experience.

Allison brings proven expertise in strategic planning, performance reporting, governance, policy development, community engagement, project management and business transformation.

Allison thrives on collaborating with both community members and staff teams to achieve shared outcomes. She is passionate about creating environments where people feel valued and empowered to contribute to meaningful community impact.

The Acting Director Corporate Services is responsible for:

  • Corporate integrity
  • Finance
  • Governance and local laws
  • Digital services
  • People and culture
  • Learning communities
  • Customer service

 

Director Infrastructure and City Services, Matthew Irving

Matthew Irving
 
Matthew has worked in local government across the last 15 years with extensive experience in project management, asset management, strategic business and community planning, service delivery, and placemaking in local communities. He is a strategic and innovative leader that seeks creative solutions to complex problems, particularly in regional communities and lean organisations.
 
With a Bachelor of Civil and Structural Engineering and Graduate Diploma of Business Management (Executive), Matthew enjoys the challenge of working with local communities to create healthy and thriving cities and towns.
 
The Director Infrastructure and City Services is responsible for:
  • Capital Works
  • City Services
  • Active Communities and Assets
  • Strategic Infrastructure

Director Sustainable Communities, Hector Gaston

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Hector brings more than 25 years of experience in local government, having worked across a range of senior leadership roles at Moonee Valley and Hume councils.

Most recently, as director of customer and strategy at Hume City Council, Hector led a diverse portfolio spanning customer experience, strategic communications, digital transformation, information technology, organisational performance, and government relations and advocacy.

He has also previously held roles as city services and living director and community services director, overseeing a broad range of community-facing services.

The Director Sustainable Communities is responsible for:
  • Community Life
  • Strategy, Economy and Sustainability
  • Planning, Building and Health
  • Arts, Culture and Community
  • Recreation and Leisure

 

Chief People Officer, Chris Sutton

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Chris brings extensive public sector experience in leading people and culture functions, and guiding organisations through large-scale transformation.

With a background in organisational psychology, Chris is passionate about building a values-driven organisation that fosters inclusion, engagement, and wellbeing. He believes that collaboration and consultation are key to creating workplaces where people thrive and deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.