James Pearson (pictured, centre) has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the City of Joondalup.
Mr Pearson replaces Garry Hunt, who ended his almost 16-year tenure as the City’s CEO on 18 December.
Currently Chief Executive Officer of Canberra-based Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr Pearson led the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA), and held senior positions with Shell Australia and Chevron Australia as well as Federal and State Government bodies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Western Australian Department of Resources Development (DRD).
Mr Pearson has a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Western Australia.
He is also an adjunct Professor at Deakin University Business School and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said the appointment of Mr Pearson was a unanimous decision of the Council, and he was delighted to have secured the services of an experienced and highly-credentialled candidate to lead the City into a new era in 2021 and beyond.
“Mr Pearson’s background in the business sector as well as senior government roles has equipped him to be a tremendous asset for the City of Joondalup,” Mayor Jacob said.
“Mr Pearson’s experience working with all tiers of government as well as his proven business acumen ensured he was the standout candidate after a rigorous selection process. He articulated his vision for Joondalup, outlining who we are, where we are aiming to go as a City and how he will help to take us there.
“I look forward to welcoming Mr Pearson to the City and working with him to deliver positive outcomes for the City’s residents, ratepayers and other key stakeholders.”
Mr Pearson said the City of Joondalup has a strong focus on economic development to realise its vision to be a global city, bold, creative and prosperous.
“It’s an ambition that matches my own values, experience and skills; and I’m excited to take on this challenge,” he said.
“I’ve worked internationally, nationally and at the state level and, from early on in my career, been motivated by a strong sense of public service and to realise the potential of the private sector.
“I see local government as a natural next step, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the community in Joondalup.”
Mr Pearson will commence his role with the City on Monday 15 March. Prior to this date, the City’s Director Corporate Services Mat Humfrey will be Acting CEO.
