Auckland Council’s group chief financial officer Peter Gudsell is departing the organisation after three years to take on a role in the private sector.
He says he’s doing so with “mixed feelings”.
“I’m grateful and proud to have had the opportunity to be part of what the council has achieved, particularly over the last three years when Covid, weather events, climate impacts, and a rollercoaster ride of interest, inflation and budget pressures have thrown so much at us.
“I’m particularly proud to have been part of an amazingly talented finance team and an excellent executive leadership team, and I leave knowing our council is in great hands.”
Gudsell is due to leave his council role at the end of February, 2024, after he and his team have delivered the council’s 10-year Budget consultation document.
He’ll start a veew job as chief financial officer at Southern Cross Healthcare in March, 2024.
“Three years at this council, six years in local government, and ten years in total in the public sector, has been a challenge and a privilege,” Gudsell says.
“I’m excited to step into another sector and challenge myself with making a difference somewhere else.
“I’m departing at an important milestone in the long-term planning process, but what I hope is a good time for someone else to come in.”
Council chief executive Phil Wilson acknowledges Gudsell’s contribution to the Auckland Council Group.
“Being the CFO of the largest council group in Australasia is perhaps one of the most complex and challenging executive roles in local government and Peter has given it his all.
“He has led an award-winning team of talented finance experts to deliver budgets, savings targets and innovative initiatives, like our sustainable finance programmes, through one of the toughest periods this council has faced.
“Peter and his team have consistently achieved high credit ratings, met our external audit expectations and our obligations as a publicly listed organisation – no mean feat when dealing with budget gaps and our own high standards when it comes to financial prudence.
“On behalf of us all, I wish him the very best as he embarks on a new chapter in his career and thank him for his service to the financial stability of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). “
The process to appoint an interim group chief financial officer will begin shortly.
