Vaughan Cooper to be Acting CEO at Northland Inc

Northland Inc’s General Manager of Investment and Infrastructure, Vaughan Cooper will be Acting CEO at the regional economic development agency from next week, as Dr David Wilson departs the role on March 31.

Dr Wilson, who has been Northland Inc Chief Executive Officer since September 2013, will continue to work with Northland Inc in a consultancy capacity and will maintain national leadership roles in regional economic development, including as a Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) Independent Advisory Panel member, providing advice to government about PGF investment and funding.

Northland Inc Chair Sarah Petersen said one of the key achievements of Dr Wilson while at the helm was the 2015 release of the Tai Tokerau Northland Regional Growth Study, which identified significant opportunities to grow employment and incomes in Northland.
The study, and subsequent Action Plan, has enabled the region to secure significant funding through the PGF as Northland had a number of projects underway ready for funding.

Ms Petersen also praised Dr Wilson’s work in helping secure the 2018 landing of the US$440-million Hawaiki International Fibre Cable in Mangawhai.

“Dr Wilson will continue to work with Northland Inc in a consultancy capacity on major economic development projects, where we can continue to get the benefit of his expertise and experience to ensure that economic initiatives get underway and our momentum continues,” she said.

Vaughan Cooper will be Acting CEO while the recruitment process continues for a permanent appointment.

“Vaughan has been in the organisation for over five years, and will be well-known to many within local government and businesses,” she said.
Northland Inc will continue to deliver business as usual and look forward to welcoming new team member Tania Burt shortly to lead the destination marketing team.

Recruitment for the new CEO is underway and the Board aims to appoint its successful candidate by mid-year.

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