Renewal SA has a new boss – and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) is still looking for one.

Planning Minister John Rau announced today that John Hanlon, former deputy chief executive of DPTI, was yesterday appointed to the Renewal SA role.

The government body’s brief is to provide an integrated approach to urban development.

Hanlon has been a key player in delivering the State Government’s Vibrant City agenda, heading up the Premier’s Vibrant City taskforce.

He will vacate his current position of acting chief executive at DPTI, a job he took after the unexpected sacking of high-profile public servant Rod Hook in May.

Hook was dumped as part of Premier Jay Weatherill’s post-election process of “renewal in the leadership of the South Australian public service”. At the same time, Renewal SA chief Fred Hansen’s resignation was announced.

The State Government has undertaken a global search for a new DPTI head and now has a vacancy for deputy chief executive after Hanlon’s appointment to Renewal SA.

Rau said Hanlon would start immediately.

“Mr Hanlon has a wealth of experience in the public service, specifically in the area of planning, and he is widely known and respected in the industry,” Rau said.

“I believe he will bring significant skills to Renewal SA and this will assist them to continue their work into the future.

“I am confident Renewal SA will deliver on its promise to be a driver of economic activity in our state.

“Mr Hanlon will now take on the role and I looking forward to working with him and Renewal SA staff to deliver on this agency’s charter.”

Rau said Hanlon had been instrumental in delivering on the Government’s Vibrant City agenda.

“Mr Hanlon has been heading up the Premier’s Vibrant City taskforce that has given rise to a number of changes to the city, including small-bar licensing arrangements, establishment of the entrepreneurial hub and the activation programs for the Riverbank precinct.

“He has also implemented significant planning reforms over the last two years, which have been the most significant reforms to the system in over 20 years.

“These reforms are leading to major urban renewal projects occurring around the state.

“Mr Hanlon will be bringing this experience to his new role in Renewal SA to build on this strong foundation.”