Screen Australia’s chief executive Ruth Harley today informed staff she is no longer a candidate for the CEO’s position.
In an email to staff Dr Harley said, “The Board believes that the organisation should have a CEO who is new to the agency to lead the next phase." Her five-year term expires in November.
When the board decided to advertise the CEO’s job, Dr Harley told staff she would reapply. Applications for the position closed on April 26. Braithwaite Steiner Pretty Executive Search has begun a round of interviews with applicants.
IF understands the board appointed a sub-committee of three directors to oversee the process. The board may make a decision as early as July, which, as required by the Screen Australia Act, is made in consultation with the Arts Minister Tony Burke.
The board began the process in April on the assumption that the successful candidate may need to give his or her current employer 2-3 months’ notice.