New CEO appointed for Central Highlands

Central Highlands Regional Council has today appointed Aaron Johansson as its new Chief Executive Officer, who will take over from acting CEO Ross Musgrove early next year. 

Mr Johansson has been CEO at Goulburn Mulwaree Council in NSW. He will take up his new role in Emerald on 1 February 2025. 

No stranger to Central Queensland, Gladstone-raised Mr Johansson has previously been CEO at Charters Towers Regional Council, and Director of Corporate, Governance and Financial Services at Isaac Regional Council. 

As well as a strong background in local government, Mr Johansson has held senior positions in mining, financial management and banking, working in Rockhampton, Moranbah, and Charters Towers. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), diplomas in accounting and financial planning and a Master of Business Administration. 

Mr Johansson said he was delighted to be appointed CEO and looked forward to returning to Central Queensland with wife Sandra. 

‘It’s a region I know well, and while I’ve enjoyed my time in Goulburn, I’m looking forward to a new challenge,’ he said. 

Mayor Janice Moriarty welcomed the appointment saying councillors were pleased Mr Johansson had accepted the key role of managing council operations. 

Mayor Moriarty thanked acting CEO Ross Musgrove for his sound judgement and management of the organisation since July, wishing him well with future endeavours. 

Mr Musgrove will remain with CHRC until the new CEO starts.