Tim Gibson To Head New Zealand Trade And Enterprise

The Establishment Board for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the agency combining the functions of Trade New Zealand and Industry New Zealand, has appointed Tim Gibson as chief executive.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the new name announced by the Prime Minister today, is a response to feedback from clients on the need for a single economic and trade development agency, Establishment Board Chairman Phil Lough said today. "New Zealand businesses and the economy will benefit from integrated service delivery to businesses throughout their life cycle, from start-up to global player," he said.

"The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Establishment Board is delighted to appoint someone of Tim Gibson's calibre to this critical role. Tim is highly respected as a strong business leader and his international marketing experience in the dairy industry and management skills will be immensely valuable in the development of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise," said Mr Lough.

Mr Gibson is currently the Managing Director of Kapiti Cheeses Limited, with responsibility for improving profitability and expanding the company's markets offshore. Before that he was Managing Director New Zealand Milk (Europe), where he led the formation of the Anchor/Lurpak joint venture with Arla Foods (the largest milk co-operative in Europe) to handle all their combined butter and margarine sales into the UK market.

Mr Gibson was chosen for his outstanding business acumen and leadership skills, said Mr Lough. "Tim Gibson brings a wealth of experience in management, exporting, manufacturing and international marketing. He has a strong track record with over 12 years in the dairy industry, holding senior positions with the New Zealand Dairy Board and subsequently Fonterra, both domestically and in Japan and Europe. Before joining the Dairy Board, Tim spent three years in the public sector working for the State Services Commission, followed by seven years with manufacturing business Donaghys.

Mr Gibson said he was delighted to be appointed as chief executive and was looking forward to commencing his role on 7 April. "The task is of critical importance to New Zealand's future, and I am proud to have the opportunity to build and lead the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise team," said Mr Gibson.

The Establishment Board undertook a rigorous recruitment process using an international executive search firm. A large number of excellent candidates applied for the role both from New Zealand and overseas. Mr Gibson was appointed after careful deliberation and a robust selection process.

Mr Lough said that New Zealand Trade and Enterprise would bring together the best of both agencies. "New Zealand Trade and Enterprise will have a deep commitment to innovation, to partnership with business and to ongoing improvement in our service delivery. We'll take a sector driven approach, building the capability of New Zealand enterprise to compete internationally and generate sustained foreign exchange earnings. Successful economic and trade development is very much about forging the right strategic alliances and a productive partnership between business, community and government."

Mr Lough congratulated Neil Mackay on his outstanding contribution both to Industry New Zealand and the formation of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. He will step down as chief executive of Industry New Zealand on 27 March.

"Neil has grown Industry New Zealand from its early establishment to a world-class organisation. He can feel justly proud of building Industry New Zealand into a world-class economic development agency that is recognised by the OECD as being at the forefront of progressive economic development strategies. He has also led the integration going forward and leaves a strong legacy and a high performing team from which to establish the new agency. We wish him the very best in his next endeavours," said Mr Lough.

Mr Lough also thanked former chief executive of Trade New Zealand Fran Wilde, who stepped down in December 2002, for developing Trade New Zealand into a top-performing organisation. "Under Fran Wilde's leadership, Trade New Zealand has had a dedicated focus on excellence and quality. The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Establishment Board greatly appreciated her support for the integration of the two agencies."

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is a key part of the Government's strategy to grow in New Zealand a portfolio of world-class sectors and business that are internationally competitive with sustained and profitable foreign exchange earnings.

The agency will contribute to a supportive environment for economic growth, enhance industry and regional enterprise and entrepreneurial capabilities and contribute to increased exports from, and investment, in New Zealand. Its core functions are industry and regional development, investment attraction and export development.

The name of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, announced yesterday, was selected as a descriptive and straightforward name with clear meaning in domestic and international markets. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise will operate a global network with 9 offices in New Zealand and 38 offices internationally.

© Scoop Media