The former chief of an olive oil company has been appointed to lead South Australia's peak local government body, ending a year-long wait for a permanent chief executive.
New Leadership for Local Government Association
The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA SA) has announced the appointment of John Smith as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Smith, who previously served as the CEO of OliveCo, a major olive oil producer, brings extensive business and leadership experience to the role.
The appointment comes after a protracted recruitment process that spanned over 12 months, during which the LGA SA operated under interim leadership. The delay had raised concerns among member councils about the direction of the peak body.
Background and Experience
Smith led OliveCo for eight years, overseeing significant growth and expansion into international markets. Prior to that, he held senior management positions in the agribusiness sector. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Adelaide.
In his new role, Smith will be responsible for representing the interests of 68 councils across South Australia, advocating for local government issues at the state and federal levels, and overseeing the association's operations.
Reaction to the Appointment
LGA SA President, Mayor Jane Doe, welcomed Smith's appointment, stating that his commercial acumen and strategic vision would be invaluable. "John brings a fresh perspective and a strong track record of delivering results. We are confident he will lead the association effectively," she said.
Smith expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, saying he looks forward to working with councils to address key challenges such as infrastructure funding, housing affordability, and climate change adaptation.
The appointment fills a vacancy that has existed since the departure of the previous CEO in early 2025. The lengthy recruitment process was attributed to the need to find a candidate with the right mix of skills and experience to navigate the complex local government landscape.
Smith's tenure begins immediately, and he will be based at the LGA SA's office in Adelaide.
