Invercargill City Councill's (ICC) Clare Hadley is out and ICC Group Manager Michael Day in, following a council decision yesterday (22 Feb) to replace their chief executive.

Hadley, whose contract was due to end in March, has been in the role since 2018.

“This was a tough decision for all elected members to make," ICC Mayor Nobby Clark said.

ICC's Michael Day is to become the council's new CEO, following a council decision yesterday (21 Feb). Photo: ICC

"Clare has done some really good work here that is a credit to her".

"There has been challenging times and she has guided us through some big transformations, for which we express our gratitude,” he said.

Clark said he was looking forward to working with Day, who comes with an impressive council pedigree.

Day is ICC's current Finance and Assurance group manager.

He previously worked for the Christchurch City Council where he managed their logistical response during the Canterbury earthquakes and recovery and also implemented a complete financial system transformation, before his move south in 2020.

“This is an exciting time for any Chief Executive as Invercargill experiences major growth with our City Streets redevelopment, the Branxholme pipeline project, Project 1225 and significant economic development, and this was reflected in the high number of applicants we received for the role," Clark said.

“This provides some challenges, but also some great opportunities. This role will help shape some of this exciting work and ensure Invercargill continues to forge ahead to create He Ngākau Aroha – A City With Heart.”

A start date for the incumbent Chief Executive Officer has not yet been decided, but there is expected to be a transitional period, Clark said.