Dr Pim Borren starts in the position next week, following the resignation of Sarah Gardner, who left the organisation last month.
His appointment was confirmed by councillors in an emergency meeting yesterday.
A regional council spokesman said Dr Borren had more than 27 years of experience in corporate, local government, tertiary education and private sector economics.
The search for a permanent chief executive would be undertaken by the new council following the October elections.
The interim role was for about nine months, or until a permanent chief executive was appointed.
Previously Dr Borren has acted as interim chief executive for Ospri NZ and joint chief executive for New Zealand Bus and Coach as well as the New Zealand Rental Vehicle Association
From 2014-18 he was chief executive of the Masterton District Council.
Most recently, he was chief economist to the government of the Cook Islands, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.
