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Movings/Shakings: 23 June

Switching seats

Dame Julie Christie is stepping down from the MediaWorks Board as of 30 June. She’s returning to television production and will be taking on two new board roles.

They include being a trustee of Development West Coast and a member of the steering group for New Zealand’s World Expo 2020 project.

Christie has been a board director since August 2013. She commented on her departure by saying: “I think it’s important that directors refresh their governance portfolios regularly and that boards refresh their skill set regularly. So after more than four years with MediaWorks, it’s time for me to do other things.”

She added that as a director of MediaWorks, she’s had a much-needed break from producing television but now wants to be able to develop some new ideas, specifically with international documentaries.

MediaWorks chairman Jack Matthews said on behalf of the MediaWorks Board, he thanks Christie for her contributions to the company over the past four years.

“MediaWorks has worked to fundamentally transform its business during this time, and Julie has been a major part of that. We wish her success in her new adventures.”

Taking the lead

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) has a new CEO in Nick Hill.

Hill will join on 14 August from his role as executive director of specialist New Zealand public policy and management consulting firm MartinJenkin. He brings with him senior management experience across the public and private sector including the chief executive role wiht the Commerce Commission and leading the formation of Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC, now know as Sport New Zealand).

He also has significant experience in the energy sector, having spent 10 years with ECNZ and Fletcher Energy in New Zealand, and with Santon in Australia.

About the new CEO, chair of the ATEED Board David McConnell said Hill is an incisive, strategic thinker whose business and leadership experience will be invaluable as ATEED continues its work to advance Auckland’s prosperity and create the new city.  

“Throughout his career, Nick has displayed an ability to operate in complex organisations and lead industry change in government agencies and the private sector, working in partnership with a diverse range of stakeholders to create positive change,” said McConnell.

“This will be invaluable in his new role, where Nick will be tasked with leading an organisation which plays a vital role in attracting visitors, direct investment and smart jobs to Auckland, and building an entrepreneurial ecosystem in which ideas, investment and jobs thrive.”

Hill’s appointment follows current CEO Brett O’Riley’s announcement earlier this year about his intention to leave. O’Riley has been CEO since May 2012.

On behalf of the board and the staff, McConnell thanks O’Riley for his sustained leadership, energy and drive during his five-plus years at the helm of ATEED.

“Brett’s contribution to ATEED, and the Auckland region has been monumental. He has helped mould a progressive agency that combines the important functions of tourism, events and economic development – a model that has since been replicated by other regions across New Zealand.”

A new recruit

Method has welcomed Tanya Smith to its team to fill the newly created role of account director.

Smith brings with her a solid knowledge of building successful brands like Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Fonterra and ANZ at Dave Clark Designs and Designworks. She’s been designing and managing digital based projects for 10 years and her most recent achievement was being the project lead on the redesign of Air New Zealand’s Inflight Entertainment System.

Now, Smith is looking forward to immersing herself in the VR and AR world that Method is known for, while continuing to manage and grow the traditional digital work for clients.

Managing director Sam Ramlu said it’s excited to have someone with Smith’s experience and knowledge on board helping it champion the growth of technology-driven design solutions. 

“She’s already proving to be an amazing asset, delivering a jar of Nutella and a spoon to my desk in just her second week. What a find.”

Stepping up

Harrison Grierson’s general manager of marketing, Karen West, has been appointed to the Harrison Grierson board.

The milestone appointment reflects West’s exceptional performance as a senior manager, said managing director Glen Cornelius.

“She has led the focus on clients and outstanding service delivery, changing the way we view ourselves – who we are and what we do.”

West joined the company in 2011 and is the first female director from within it. She’s played a major role in the company’s transformation over the last five years and was instrumental in driving through its brand strategy, brand values and visual identity.

The Board is chaired by independent director Margaret Devlin who is also the chairman of Watercare Services Ltd and WEL Networks.

Coming on board

Since opening its doors in New Zealand in February, global brand experience agency Because has appointed Corinna Homer to take the helm as business director for New Zealand.

Homer has worked to produce MediaWorks’ live events such as The Block’s Public Open Homes and The Bachelor NZ: Women Tell All. She also held the role of head of experiential at Uno Loco (formerly Madant Productions) working on campaigns for Vogels, Natures Fresh, Coca-Cola and Auckland Transport.

About the new recruit, managing partner of Because (Australia and New Zealand) Gareth Brock said: “Corinna brings a wealth of engagement experience and joins us at a very exciting time for Because. Our business is experiencing phenomenal growth globally recently opening offices in Toronto and Dublin with Dubai, Singapore and USA to follow later this year.”

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