Former Billbergia Group general manager Michael Whittaker's appointment was announced last week, and he will be just the fourth person in the role in 63 years.

Mr Whittaker will replace Kerry Yates, who will retire after six years as general manager and 27 with the council overall.

"There were some excellent candidates for the position, but in the end it was the combination of Mr Whittaker's breadth of relevant skills and experience and solid record of achievements that really impressed us," Wyong mayor Bob Graham said in a statement.

"We are looking forward to an exciting period ahead with Mr Whittaker at the helm."

The new general manager held the same job with Ryde City Council from 2004 to last year.

He had also been general manager at Sydney City and South Sydney councils, chief executive of Bunbury City Council and deputy director general of the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage.

Mr Whittaker has been appointed Wyong general manager for five years.