Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mason will depart Corangamite Shire Council after more than 14 years at the organisation.
Mr Mason told Councillors and staff on Tuesday that he had accepted the Chief Executive Officer role at Warrnambool City Council.
His last day at Corangamite Shire Council will be Friday 27 January.
Mr Mason started at Corangamite Shire Council in March 2008 as Director Sustainable Development. He was appointed to the CEO role in September 2010.
Mayor Ruth Gstrein said Corangamite Shire had been extremely fortunate to have Mr Mason's strong leadership as CEO over the past 12 years.
"Andrew has continued the professional culture at Corangamite Shire that has led us through a new Local Government Act, three general elections and many key strategic projects, all while dealing with emergencies and the pandemic.
"Councillors have appreciated his high levels of integrity, advice and guidance," Cr Gstrein said.
"We are sad to see Andrew leave Corangamite, but excited for him to take on new challenges and we congratulate him on the appointment.
"Corangamite's loss is Warrnambool's gain. He's still going to be part of the South-West and we look forward to working with Andrew as a regional partner," she said.
Mr Mason said he had loved leading the organisation.
"Corangamite Shire is a great Council with dedicated and passionate staff," he said.
"I have learnt so much, made some great friends and developed a love of South-West Victoria."
He said that while there had been great success advocating for projects on behalf of the community, his time as CEO had not all been smooth sailing.
"During my time as CEO the Shire has experienced flooding, fires, a tornado and a pandemic.
"In emergencies it is apparent how important Local Government is as a trusted source of information and support," Mr Mason said.
He thanked the Councillors, in particular the five Mayors he has worked with: Cr Ruth Gstrein, Cr Jo Beard and former Councillors Neil Trotter, Chris O'Connor and Matt Makin.
"I am looking forward to the next stage of my career and continuing to work in this amazing region," he said.
Corangamite Shire will start a recruitment campaign for its next Chief Executive Officer in early January 2023.
