Cam Arullanantham appointed to lead Frankston City as Interim CEO
Published on 08 July 2025
Frankston City Council has appointed Cam Arullanantham as Interim Chief Executive Officer over the next six months, following the resignation of CEO Phil Cantillon, effective 18 July 2025.
The decision was made by Councillors at a Special Council Meeting on Monday 7 Jul 2025, with Cam’s appointment set to provide leadership continuity as Council prepares to commence the search for a permanent CEO later this year.
Cam brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across local government and the infrastructure sector. He has served as Frankston City Council’s Director Infrastructure and Operations since 2020, overseeing five departments, more than 200 staff and the delivery of significant capital and operational works.
Prior to that, Cam held several senior roles at Council, including Acting Director Community Assets and Manager Buildings and Facilities, where he led the planning and delivery of major community infrastructure projects such as the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre, Frankston Yacht Club precinct, and numerous multipurpose pavilions and early learning centres.
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam said the appointment followed a formal recruitment process managed by the CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee, and comes at a critical time for Council.
“With major infrastructure projects underway, a newly adopted budget, and significant investment flowing into the city, strong leadership is essential — and we are confident Cam is the right person to guide us through this period of transition,” Mayor Bolam said.
The Mayor again acknowledged the significant contribution of outgoing CEO Phil Cantillon, who has led the organisation since 2019.
“Phil’s impact on the city council’s culture has been transformative. He fostered a strong sense of recognition, ensured that every voice was heard and valued, and built a high-performing culture rooted in service, transparency, and financial discipline,” Mayor Bolam said.
Interim CEO Cam Arullanantham said “I’m truly honoured and humbled by the confidence the Mayor and Councillors have placed in me to lead the organisation and serve the community during such a pivotal time. I’m very excited by the opportunity ahead and it is a privilege to lead and continue the work of this great organisation, particularly at a time when a new Council Plan has been adopted, and major public and private sector investment is underway. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I’m committed to serving with integrity, focus and care.”
“My focus will be on maintaining stability and ensuring we continue to deliver the services and infrastructure that matter most to our community.”
Cam lives in Melbourne’s south-east with his wife and two daughters. Outside of work, he enjoys running and cooking healthy, flavour-packed Sri Lankan meals to share with family and friends.
Of Sri Lankan heritage, Cam holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours). Before joining Frankston City Council, he held senior and executive roles across both the private construction industry and the humanitarian aid sector in Melbourne and overseas. His experience includes leading critical recovery efforts in Aceh Province, Indonesia, following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Cam is also an active member of the Berwick and Harkaway Cemetery Trust and his local church, reflecting his deep commitment to community service and connection.
During his time at Frankston City Council, Cam has overseen significant investment towards new and upgraded community infrastructure and facilities, notably the $36.6 million Jubilee Park Stadium, $22 million Kananook Commuter Car Park, the soon to start $60 million Frankston Stadium redevelopment – Council’s largest infrastructure project – and much more.
The Mayor highlighted several key priorities for Council in the coming months, including welcoming new tenants to the Frankston Waterfront precinct (formerly home to Sofia’s restaurant and the Visitor Information Centre) and the Frankston Yacht Club, progressing negotiations with the State and Federal governments regarding the $50 million Nepean Highway revitalisation, and rolling out Council’s Local Support Package to ensure residents receive the assistance they need.
“With so many impressive project successes under his belt, Council has full confidence that Cam will be able to effectively lead Frankston City to advance current and upcoming opportunities,” said the Mayor.
Cam will step into the role from 19 July 2025 for a period of up to six months. The permanent recruitment process for a new CEO will commence in the next month.