Dr Prins Ralston appointed CEO of Townsville City Council
Date published: 17 November 2020
Townsville City Council today announced the appointment of experienced senior executive Dr Prins Ralston as its Chief Executive Officer.
Dr Ralston has more than 30 years’ experience across the community, health and employment services, finance and legal sectors.
He has been a senior executive with national companies and organisations including Advanced Personnel Management (APM), Nous Group, Employment Services Holdings (ESH) and Mission Australia.
He will start in the role on 7 December.
Mayor Jenny Hill said Dr Ralston had a long involvement with Townsville and was uniquely aware of the issues facing Northern Australia.
“Dr Ralston has an impressive track record of leading large teams and transforming public and private organisations to deliver improved customer service and boosting financial sustainability,” Cr Hill said.
“He has extensive experience in boardrooms across Australia and the United Kingdom, but most importantly, he knows and understands Townsville’s challenges and opportunities.
“Dr Ralston is currently the independent head of TaskforceNQ. In this role he has played a critical role in our region’s social and economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“He has a deep knowledge of Townsville City Council’s operations and has played a key advisory role in reforming the organisation over recent years to secure better value for ratepayers and improve front line services for residents and businesses.
“His appointment to the Townsville City Council role is a coup for our community.”
Cr Hill said Dr Ralston was the standout candidate for the role after a national search and rigorous selection and appointment process.
“Townsville should take some pride that we have secured such an experienced and qualified leader to take on the CEO role at such a critical time for the Council and our community,” Cr Hill said.
“Dr Ralston is recognised as a strong leader across the government and private sectors throughout Australia and he is incredibly enthusiastic about taking on this key leadership role for our city.”
Dr Ralston said he was looking forward to working with councillors and the Council team in enhancing Townsville’s reputation as the capital of Northern Australia.
“Townsville has had a rough couple of years with the unprecedented monsoon of 2019 and the COVID-19 global pandemic, but the future is looking bright for the city and its residents and I am excited to be joining the team,” Dr Ralston said.
“I know that every single employee at Council is passionate about serving the people of Townsville and I look forward to joining them.
“My focus will be to work as a team to continue building Townsville as a city of opportunity and great lifestyle for families, business, residents and visitors.”
