New chief executive for Hamilton City Council

Hamilton mayor Julie Hardaker. File photo / Christine Cornege.

Hamilton City Council has announced Richard Briggs as its new chief executive.

The council's chief financial officer will succeed current chief executive Barry Harris who departs in October.

Mr Briggs joined Hamilton City Council in August 2012 from his previous role as commercial manager at Fonterra and held a number of roles at the company during his eight years there.

While his experience working for a local government organisation is limited to his role at Hamilton City Council, he also spent nine years at Audit New Zealand.

Mr Harris, who also joined the council from Fonterra, announced in June he would be departing the council on October 17 after three-and-a-half years in the role to focus on directorship roles. Mr Briggs is due to start on the same date.

Hamilton mayor Julie Hardaker said Mr Briggs had done an outstanding job as chief financial officer and the city was looking forward to working with him as the city embarked on a period of direct growth and investment.

Mr Briggs was chosen from 36 applicants from New Zealand and Australia and starts on $330,000 a year -- $55,777 less than Mr Harris' current salary.