New Zealand Alpine Club announces appointment of new GM

Friday, 29th April 2016

New Zealand Alpine Club announces appointment of new General Manager.

Keith Gilby has been appointed to the role of General Manager of the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC), replacing outgoing General Manager Sam Newton.

“After an extensive search, Mr Gilby was selected to fill this critical outdoor leadership role, and to continue to guide the club forward as it celebrates its 125th celebration,” said Past President John Cocks.

“Mr Gilby was selected from a strong range of candidates with superb skills and backgrounds. Given the complexity and nature of the NZAC, we were seeking strong leadership, financial and project management skills and Keith best suited the mix,” he said.

Mr Gilby has worked for 30 years in the electricity industry and since returning to Christchurch with his family in 2014 has been working as General Manager Southern for Switch Utilities. His move to the NZAC combines a passion for the outdoors and his management skills, to guide the club in its own unique developments.

“Joining the NZ Alpine Club is a fantastic opportunity to combine business and leadership skills with the personal passion I have for mountaineering and the NZ outdoors. The NZ Alpine Club holds a special place in the provision of development, training and leadership within all facets of climbing and backcountry sports,” said Mr Gilby.

“Taking on the role of General Manager during the Club's 125th anniversary year is a legacy that is both a privilege and a challenge.”

"I’m looking forward to working with a great team of full time staff and dedicated volunteers to further develop and deliver our world class instruction programmes, facilities, publications and benefits for members. Looking to the future of climbing in NZ, I'm also keen to work with the club to develop a wider youth programme, increasing the membership base and providing the platform for elite development within the sport," he said.

“At a national level NZAC is increasingly being called on to provide leadership and advocacy on access and sustainability issues alongside our partners such as the Federated Mountain Clubs ( FMC),” he said.

Mr Gilby will commence in the role on May the 9th.

ends

© Scoop Media