The Glenelg Shire Council has appointed Craig Niemann as chief executive on an interim basis.


Mr Niemann has been appointed for an eight-week period, as council continues its search for a permanent chief executive to replace Greg Wood, who finished his term on Friday.


Mr Niemann is a former chief executive of the City of Greater Bendigo, a role he held for 16 years before retiring in December 2023.


His career in local government spanned 40 years, all of it in central Victoria.


Prior to his last role, he was also a director at Greater Bendigo and chief executive of Loddon Shire.


“I look forward to bringing that experience to Glenelg Shire, and working with the council, staff and the community,” Mr Niemann said.


Glenelg Shire Mayor Karen Stephens said she welcomed Mr Niemann to the role.


“Craig is highly experienced and will be an asset to council while he is here, and I thank him for filling in for us while we work towards a permanent appointment,” she said.


“I’d also like to thank Greg for the job he has done while he has been here and wish him all the very best for the future.”


Mr Wood said he had enjoyed his time in Glenelg Shire and thanked council for giving him the opportunity to support them in improving their governance procedures.


“I want to thank our great staff for the work they do day in, day out, in providing our community with the services they need,” Mr Wood said.


“In particular, I thank my executive team for both the support they have given me, and the excellent job they are doing to ensure council functions as it should.


“I wish to congratulate Craig and wish him all the best in the role – he is a highly experienced local government CEO and I’m sure he will do a great job.


“Glenelg Shire has great potential for the future and I look forward to watching on as that potential is fulfilled.”