Marik secures top job

• John Marik has been appointed as the general manager of Dorset Council under a three year contract.

By Taylor Clyne
December 7, 2022

At a special meeting on Tuesday afternoon John Marik was officially appointed general manager of the Dorset Council bringing with it a new reign of management style.

Mr Marik has held the position of Corporate Service Director for the past five years and has been working as the acting general manager (GM) for the last two months undertaking a large task of guiding the organisation in a time of turbulence.

Prior to this he has completed previous stints in the role when former GM Tim Watson was absent.

Mayor Greg Howard said Marik had made a very significant contribution to the viability and sustainability of the Dorset Council during his time as the Corporate Service Director.

“He is a chartered accountant and has significant senior management experience so the promotion to the GM role is a natural progression,” he said.

When asked on why the Council did not to go to market Mayor Howard said there were a number of reasons.

“The cost to go to market is usually in excess of $20,000 to employ a consultant to fill the position along with a considerable amount of input required from both staff and Councillors and absolutely no guarantee that you would get a candidate of Mr Marik’s calibre.” 

“Recent appointments by other Tasmanian Councils using the market pool process have not delivered the quality of general manager that we would be expecting for Dorset.

“John is popular among the staff and has their support and I think the community will enjoy a vastly different management style.”

Mr Marik said this was a dream job and an absolute privilege to work in a world class region that make things happen.

“My main message to the community is that Council is open for business, and I want to ensure that Council is as easy as possible to work with, to allow strategic projects to prosper,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the new Council and with Council employees to deliver Dorset’s strategy and plans.” 

Mr Marik has been employed in the role under a three-year contract.

As for filling his previous role its understood Council will look at options in the new year.