For immediate release
17 October 2005

Stephen Jacobi Appointed Executive Director of NZ US Council

Stephen Jacobi has been appointed Executive Director of the New Zealand United States Council, in succession to Jim Burns, Council Chairman, Rt Hon Jim Bolger, announced today.

The New Zealand United States Council is a non-partisan body funded by both business and government to promote New Zealand’s relationship with the United States. Stephen Jacobi, a member of Council’s Advisory Board since 2002, was formerly Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest Industries Council.

“When it comes to securing New Zealand’s future, the United States is an indispensable nation and this is clearly recognised by the major political parties as well as the business community”, said Mr Bolger.

“The Council is determined to see the already significant relationship further developed and we are delighted to have attracted someone of Stephen Jacobi’s calibre and reputation to help us achieve this”.

Mr Jacobi has an extensive background in international affairs and trade development. A former diplomat, Ministerial advisor and industry advocate he is also a graduate of the Georgetown University Leadership Seminar in Washington DC.

Mr Jacobi said that New Zealand had good friends in the US who saw potential for both countries in even closer links.

“While the goal of a free trade agreement with the US remains the ultimate prize, there is much that can be done to expand awareness of each other and open up new avenues of co-operation. The Council’s relationship with our sister organisation in Washington, the US NZ Council, is a strategic asset for us as is the work done by the New Zealand Embassy in Washington”.

Mr Bolger said that in coming months Mr Jacobi would develop a new strategic plan for the Council. Mr Jacobi would be located in his home base of Napier but would commute regularly to Auckland and Wellington.

ENDS

Introducing: Stephen Jacobi

Stephen Jacobi has been appointed Executive Director of the New Zealand United States Council Inc. He takes up this role on 17 October 2005.

The New Zealand United States Council was established in 2001 and is a non-partisan organisation committed to fostering the strongest possible relationship between New Zealand and the United States. The Council comprises a number of New Zealand’s leading business interests and works closely with the Government to achieve its goals.

Mr Jacobi grew up in Auckland and was educated at Auckland Grammar School and Auckland University. He has a First Class Honours degree in French and German and is a graduate of the prestigious Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) in Paris as well as the Leadership Seminar of Georgetown University in Washington DC.

Mr Jacobi has broad experience in industry and trade development. His most recent role was as Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest Industries Council, a national pan-industry body representing the forestry and wood processing sectors, the country’s third largest exporter. Earlier he established and led the New Zealand Trade Liberalisation Network – a business organisation aimed at building broad public understanding and support for trade. In both roles he has been a frequent media commentator on industry and trade issues.

Mr Jacobi also has extensive diplomatic, trade and government experience including posts as Deputy High Commissioner, Ottawa, Trade Commissioner in Paris and specialist adviser on trade and diplomatic issues with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He was formerly Private Secretary to the Minister for Trade Negotiations, Hon Jim Sutton, advising on trade policy, international affairs and government-to-government negotiations. He continues to advise the forest and wood processing industry on international trade issues.

Mr Jacobi is a member of the Trade Minister’s Advisory Group on Trade Negotiations, a Board member of the Trade Liberalisation Network and the Chairman of the Santa Catalina Group, an international forest industry body aimed at ensuring a strong outcome from the current WTO Doha Development Agenda negotiations.

Mr Jacobi is married to the Dean of Napier Cathedral, the Very Reverend Helen Jacobi and has two children. He lives in Napier.

Mr Jacobi is married to the Dean of Napier Cathedral, the Very Reverend Helen Jacobi and has two children. He lives in Napier.

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