Chief Executive Phil Wilson has announced Auckland Council’s new leadership team, with tier two changes expected by the end of June and tier three recruitment underway.

Wilson stated that each candidate demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, highlighting a commitment to Auckland's success and the council's long-term goals.

"This new team will be instrumental in the success of the organisation as we look towards the future," he said.

The new Executive Leadership Team includes:

Rachel Kelleher, Director Community: With roles in both central and local government, Kelleher is currently the General Manager of Environmental Services and a Duty Controller for Auckland Emergency Management.

Ross Tucker, Group Chief Financial Officer: Leading the Financial Strategy and Planning team since 2018, Tucker has navigated significant financial challenges, including the impacts of COVID-19 and recent inflation rises.

Megan Tyler, Director Policy, Planning and Governance: Tyler’s 26-year career spans planning, policy, and governance. She has been on the Executive Leadership Team since 2019 as Chief of Strategy.

Barry Potter, Director Resilience and Infrastructure: Joining in 2015, Potter has led Infrastructure and Environmental Services, playing a key role in the City Rail Link development.

Parul Sood, Deputy Director Resilience and Infrastructure: With nearly 20 years in local government, Sood has been the General Manager of Waste Solutions for five years and chairs the Waste Management Institute of New Zealand.

Max Hardy, Director Group Strategy and Chief Executive’s Office: Previously Chief of Staff to Mayor Wayne Brown, Hardy has overseen significant progress on the Mayor’s objectives and was a partner at law firm Meredith Connell.

The changes follow a leadership restructure proposal from May, aimed at increasing accountability, improving collaboration, and reducing top-tier staffing.

The transition to the new team will commence on 22 June.