NZBio Appoints CEO to Lead Industry Growth

NZBio Appoints CEO to Lead Industry Growth

Wellington, 24 November 2003: NZBio, a new organisation formed in September as a single voice for the biotechnology industry, has today announced the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer, Brian Ward, who will lead it in building the industry as a key economic player for New Zealand.

NZBio was extremely pleased to appoint someone of Mr Ward’s calibre to this position, NZBio Chairman Jim McLean said.

“Where previously there were separate groups within the sector (Biotenz and the NZ Biotechnology Association) NZBio provides a new single voice," he said.

“Brian’s appointment attests to the fact that NZBio will be operated on a fully professional basis with the necessary resources to lead growth in the industry.”

Mr McLean said NZBio intended to meet growth targets of the Biotechnology Taskforce report (to the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology) in May which forecast biotechnology could employ 18,000 New Zealanders within ten years.

Mr Ward brought impressive credentials and an exceptionally wide range of experience, equipping him ideally for leading an industry that has already become an important driver across many parts of the country’s economy.

Mr Ward will leave his current role as Manager, Economic Investments for the Foundation for Research Science & Technology to take up this position on December 8.

Mr Ward qualified as a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1984 and completed a Master of Business Administration with distinction from Massey University in 2001. He was previously Managing Partner of the AnimalCare Veterinary Group in Havelock North, and a senior executive in the United Kingdom with Beecham and then SmithKline Beecham Animal Health.

“This is a key time to get a platform in place to create an industry that can make a huge contribution to New Zealand’s growth,” Mr Ward said.

“NZBio will catalyse and accelerate that process and I am excited to have this opportunity to help make this growth happen. “

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