GNS Science Names New Chief Executive

28 SEPTEMBER 2016

GNS Science Names New Chief Executive

Ian Simpson, currently the Chief Executive of the Earthquake Commission, has been named as the new Chief Executive of GNS Science. He will take up his new role on 30 January 2017.

Mr Simpson has been Chief Executive of EQC since 2010 and has led its growth from an organisation of 22 people prior to the Canterbury earthquakes to one of 1800 staff.

During this time EQC has settled 720,000 domestic insurance claims and managed the repair of 68,000 homes.

Prior to joining EQC, he was General Manager, Finance at the Accident Compensation Corporation and before that he had 25 years’ experience with international organisations including British Petroleum.

GNS Science Chairman Dr Nicki Crauford said Mr Simpson’s skills and expertise were a very good match for the research and consultancy work that GNS Science undertakes.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Ian’s calibre to lead GNS Science in achieving our vision of a cleaner, safer and more prosperous New Zealand.”

Mr Simpson replaces Dr Mike McWilliams who resigned earlier this year.

GNS Science is a Crown-owned company that employs 372 science and support staff and has offices in Lower Hutt, Taupo, and Dunedin.

Its purpose is to secure economic, social, environmental benefits for New Zealand by undertaking research and consultancy that increases resilience to natural hazards, drives innovation and economic growth in the energy and minerals industries, develops industrial and environmental applications of isotope science, and enhances our understanding of natural processes occurring in the Earth’s crust.

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