The Chief Islander is a Tristanian elected separately from the Island Council, and serves for three years.

The current Chief Islander is Ian Lavarello

Ian was elected for a fourth term in March 2025.

Elected Chief Islanders:

Harold Green 1970-1973, 1979-1982 & 1985-1988
Albert Glass 1973-1979 & 1982-1985
Anne Green 1988-1991 & 2003-2006
Lewis Glass 1991-1994
James Glass 1994-1997, 1997-2000, 2000-2003, 2019-2022, 2022-2025
Conrad Glass 2007-2010
Ian Lavarello 2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2019, 2025-2028
 
Chief Islander Ian Lavarello presenting Andrew Rosindel MP
with a Tristan tie during his second term of office in 2014.