CEO Phil Cantillon to farewell Frankston City Council
Published on 17 June 2025
Frankston City Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Phil Cantillon has announced he will step down by late July 2025, marking the end of his leadership term, which has been defined by major reform, steady stewardship and commitment to the Frankston City community.
Appointed CEO in 2019, Mr Cantillon has guided the organisation through a period of complex challenges and dynamic change, from pandemic response and recovery to the rollout of service innovations and approval of the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre Structure Plan to take the City into the future.
In an email to staff, Mr Cantillon reflected on his career working across three State Governments (Vic/NSW/Tas), before turning to time in Victorian local government.
He thanked the dedicated group of Mayors and Councillors he has worked with across three Council terms, all committed to building Frankston City’s future together.
His final nod being to the staff whose passion, thoughtfulness and hard work have been the engine room for making Frankston City a better place.
Recognised by Frankston City staff as a kind and compassionate leader dedicated to the wellbeing and development of Council officers, Mr Cantillon has also been acknowledged by the broader community and sector leaders for the positive change he has driven, while showing outstanding support for the Frankston City community as a whole.
Under his leadership, Frankston City Council has developed a strong culture of service, increased transparency and financial discipline, while working to deliver on the priorities that matter most to residents. Other achievements include the completion of the multimillion Jubilee Park Stadium, funding locked in for the soon to commence Frankston Stadium along
with the launch of the Frankston Business Collective and just recently a $50 million commitment for the Nepean Highway Revitalisation.
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam said Mr Cantillon’s departure would be felt across the organisation and the broader community.
“Phil has been a consummate professional throughout his tenure, and his time as Chief Executive Officer should be celebrated as a period of growth and renewal, both within the organisation and across our City,” Mayor Bolam said.
“Frankston is undergoing a genuine transformation, and Phil’s leadership has been instrumental in building that momentum. On behalf of councillors, staff and the wider community, I thank Phil for his indelible service and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.
“Council will now appoint an Interim CEO before undertaking a comprehensive recruitment process to find a permanent successor. The market for executive talent is strong, and with Frankston City’s growing reputation, I’m confident we’ll attract a very high calibre field of candidates.”
In addressing Council staff, Mr Cantillon said the decision to leave wasn’t made lightly, but the timing was right.
“Leading Frankston City has been the privilege of my career,” Mr Cantillon said. “Working with a dedicated Council and an organisation full of passionate, talented people has been incredibly rewarding.”
“I’ve always believed the best time to hand over the reins is when things are going well. Frankston City is in a strong place, our plans are clear and our direction is aligned with the community we serve.”