A recognised 'game changer” in the local government sector has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Thames-Coromandel District Council.

Incoming chief executive Rob Williams is well regarded for his leadership in improving culture and performance and will join the TCDC following a nine year tenure as chief executive of the Taupo District Council.

Newly appointed Thames-Coromandel District Council chief executive Rob Williams. Photo: TCDC

'I am immensely looking forward to joining the team at Thames-Coromandel District Council, it's an exciting opportunity to move to one of the finest and most renowned visitor destinations in New Zealand with all the heritage and economic potential that the district has,” says Rob.

'The Thames-Coromandel District Council is well positioned to benefit from the nation's current economic position and I am very excited about being part of that development for this iconic area.”

During Rob's time at Taupo District Council it became the first local authority to complete a Long Term Plan (2009-2019) and also won three top awards for engagement and communications at the NZ National Communications Conference.

The TDC also gained national recognition for its Youth in Emergency Service Work, was nominated for four separate pieces of work in the fields of Project Management and Engineering and was also the first local authority in the country to sign a joint management agreement with iwi over resource consenting processes on its land.

Thames-Coromandel mayor Glenn Leach says Rob's leadership at Taupo District Council has seen it grow from strength to strength by building strategic partnerships and economic opportunities.

'We're really thrilled that Rob is joining our team, with his calibre of expertise and extensive knowledge of how local government operates,” he says.

'The Taupo district shares some strong synergies with our council, including reliance on events and tourism, support of primary industries like aquaculture and agriculture and a focus on community development. We look forward to seeing how he can add the same value here.”

Rob will take over from current chief executive David Hammond who departs from council at the end of the financial year on June 30, 2016