Rex Capil is the council’s new community spaces and places group manager.
In Gore, he was both deputy chief executive and community lifestyle services general manager.
Mr Capil was set to be interim chief executive of the Gore District Council after the resignation of the long-serving Stephen Parry but decided to head to another job at the Invercargill council.
Mr Capil had extensive local government experience from across New Zealand and had also worked at the Southland District Council and Venture Southland, before it became Great South, a statement from the Invercargill City Council said.
ICC chief executive Michael Day said he was pleased to welcome Mr Capil to the team.
"I and the other members of the executive leadership team are immensely impressed with Rex’s background. I’m really looking forward to seeing what he’s capable of here in Invercargill," Mr Day said.
"One of Rex’s main areas that he will be focusing on is the development of Project 1225, the museum rebuild project. It’s council’s biggest task but I have no doubt he is the best person for the job.”
Mr Capil said he was looking forward to getting started in Invercargill.
"It’s a council that has so many exciting opportunities ahead, and from my perspective, it provides scale, resources and a sense of purpose, which means we can make a difference working alongside the community we serve now and for future generations."
“My focus is on our people and wrapping around support, structures, resources, and tools so they are well-supported and can deliver the best possible outcomes for the future of our city.
"I will be looking to provide stability, to ensure delivery and accountability and to support any organisation’s biggest asset — our people.”
The community spaces and places role involves managing the council’s parks, pool, venues, library and museum services.