Frankston City appoints first female CEO to lead city’s transformation
Published on 12 November 2025
Frankston City Council is proud to announce the appointment of Tennille Bradley as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a Special Council Meeting held on 10 November 2025.
Ms Bradley will join Frankston City in mid-January 2026 from the City of Greater Geelong, where she has been a key member of the executive leadership team, helping guide one of Victoria’s fastest-growing and most economically diverse municipalities. She brings extensive experience in major-project delivery, organisational transformation, economic development and community-centred local government leadership.
Her appointment marks a historic milestone for Frankston City, becoming the first female Chief Executive Officer in Council’s history.
Mayor Kris Bolam JP said the appointment represents an exciting new chapter for the city.
“Frankston City is changing, and changing fast. We are delivering major infrastructure, welcoming unprecedented public and private investment, strengthening our partnerships across government and industry, and shaping the next chapter in Frankston City’s growth as a key metropolitan city,” said the Mayor.
“We are thrilled to welcome Frankston City Council’s first female CEO. With three of our five executive leaders already women, this appointment continues our commitment to diversity and equity across the city council.”
Council’s CEO recruitment process, delivered in partnership with Davidson Executive Search and overseen by the independently chaired CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee, was conducted with the highest standards of transparency and integrity. The role attracted a strong and diverse field of applicants, including experienced CEOs and senior executives from across the local government and non-government sectors.
“Tennille brings exceptional credentials, proven executive leadership, and a deep passion for delivering community-led outcomes. She understands growing cities, the importance of strategic advocacy, and how to lead high-performing teams through opportunity and change,” said Mayor Bolam.
Ms Bradley said she is honoured to join the Frankston City community at such a pivotal stage in the city’s growth.
“Frankston is a city on the rise. You can feel the momentum and ambition here, from the waterfront to the hospital precinct, the metropolitan activity centre and the new investment landing across its suburbs.”
“I’m excited to work closely with the Mayor, Councillors, staff, partners and the community to build on this momentum and ensure Frankston City grows in a way that is sustainable, inclusive and true to the city’s identity and strengths.”
“Frankston City has long been compared to Geelong, and now it’s Frankston’s time to shine. I am thrilled to join a city with such potential and pride, and to lead an organisation with strong capability and heart.”
As part of her time in Geelong, Ms Bradley worked alongside the Victorian Government and supported significant government investment in Geelong through City Deal projects, including the $449 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, and Revitalising Central Geelong projects, including The Green Spine, Laneways Projects and activation of the Arts & Cultural Precinct.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said Ms Bradley’s leadership would be missed, but her appointment was a significant gain for Frankston.
“Tennille has played a significant role in driving positive change and major city-shaping initiatives here in Geelong. While it’s a loss for us, we couldn’t be happier to see her bring her talent and passion to Frankston.”
Ms Bradley is currently the Executive Director Placemaking at the City of Greater Geelong, overseeing a budget of $26.5 million, 200 staff, and responsibilities including planning, growth, and economic and cultural development.
She has served at the City of Greater Geelong since 2022, initially as Manager, Economy, Place and Events, and subsequently as Acting Executive Director, Customer, Community and Economy, before assuming her current role as part of the new Executive Leadership Team formed at the start of 2024.
Ms Bradley highlighted the many opportunities for transformation at Frankston City Council.
“In my time at the City of Greater Geelong, we’ve developed some exciting new initiatives such as our Major Events Strategy, International Engagement Strategy and improving our collaboration with developers to ensure sustainable growth and strong planning outcomes for all stakeholders,” she said.
“We’re already seeing results in Greater Geelong from this work, and I believe Frankston has some huge potential just waiting to be tapped into.”
Mayor Bolam acknowledged Cam Arullanantham, who has served as Interim CEO since July following the departure of former CEO Phil Cantillon, praising his leadership and steady guidance throughout the transition period.
“Cam has provided steady hands, calm leadership and unwavering commitment to our community and staff during this period of change.”
“Cam has been outstanding leader and I absolutely encourage him to seek future leadership opportunities given the enormity of what he has been able to achieve in such a small amount of time as the Interim CEO”.
Upon Ms Bradley’s commencement in January 2026, Mr Arullanantham will resume his substantive executive role, where he will continue overseeing major service delivery and capital projects, including the $60 million Frankston Basketball and Gymnastics Stadium redevelopment, the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history, proudly funded by all three levels of government.
Frankston City is currently undergoing one of the most significant transformation periods in its history, transforming it from a town to a city, including:
- Major improvements across the city centre and foreshore
- A growing pipeline of private development, investment and job creation
- Major state and federal government investments in health, transport and recreation
- Strategic reforms to support sustainable housing growth and liveability
- Cost of living support to the Frankston City community, such as the $1.7 million Local Support Package.
Mayor Bolam said Ms Bradley’s appointment will accelerate this momentum.
“We have the plan, the partnerships the progress and the political leadership. Now we have the corporate leadership and continued momentum to take Frankston City to the next level.”