New Chief Executive Appointed for TOPNZ

Tuesday, 25 February 2003, 12:04 am
Press Release: Open Polytechnic

New Chief Executive Appointed for The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand

The Council of national distance learning provider The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand announced today that it has appointed Dr Paul Grimwood as the institution's new Chief Executive.

Dr Grimwood has run his own Wellington-based strategic management consultancy since 1991 working at a senior level with a wide range of public and private sector organisations in Australasia.

A former director general of the New South Wales Department of Transport, Dr Grimwood held a range of executive positions in Australia's rail industry before joining the BNZ as senior chief manager, strategy and finance, in 1986.

Council Chair Margaret Millard said Dr Grimwood had exactly the right mix of strategic and management skills to lead a national institution specialising in a key area of tertiary education.

"The growing demand for flexible lifelong learning and the impact of new technology means there is huge potential for distance education. The Open Polytechnic has established an international reputation in the field. Paul will be able to build on that base to lead a new phase of innovation and development.

"The Polytechnic also faces significant challenges as we invest in areas such as e-learning, new forms of learner support and diversifying our revenue streams. Paul's impressive track record in organisational development and building profitability are further key strengths he brings to the institution."

Dr Grimwood holds masters degrees in engineering science and aerospace engineering and a PhD from Cornell University, New York. He served on the Council of Cornell University from 1984-95 and was a member of the Western Australian Post Secondary Education Commission.

He replaces the incumbent Chief Executive Shona Butterfield who resigns from The Open Polytechnic in April.

Dr Grimwood will take up his new position in March.

© Scoop Media