New President of Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce

Media Release
21 March 2013

New President of Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce

The Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce has a new president. He is John Milford, the Managing Director of department store Kirkcaldie & Stains. Mr Milford replaces Richard Stone, who is stepping down after almost three years as president.

Mr Milford has extensive experience in the retail sector. He has headed “Kirks” since 2006, with 20 years retail management in the UK, General Manager Australia for Repco, General Manager-CEO of Pacific Retail Group, and General Manager in the Farmers Trading Company. He was on the board and chaired the Partnership Wellington Trust for five years, and has been on the board of Wellington Employers Chamber of Commerce (WECC) since 2009.

His election has been welcomed by WECC Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley.

“John will bring a great deal to the table, and I’m delighted that I will be working closely with someone as experienced as him. His knowledge of the Wellington business scene will be invaluable as he supports me in my role as spokesperson for WECC.

“Wellington has massive potential, as well as many challenges, and I look forward to working with John as WECC drives the debate for change in the city.”

Mr Milford said he had his own ideas about how the city should progress but first and foremost he was keen to see that ratepayers’ money was spent wisely on projects that mattered.

“I’m keen for more transparency. Business appreciates that it has to contribute, but equally we want to know that our money is being spent on the things that will take the city forward.

“Business contributes around 50 per cent of the rates take so we expect to have some influence on how it’s spent, and I’m keen to see that progress.”

ENDS

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