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Movings/Shakings: 10 October

More big guns at NZME

NZME has announced the appointment of Michael Boggs as its new chief financial officer. (Image credit: NZ Herald)

Boggs joins NZME from Tower where for the last four years his role has seen him manage the Tower Group’s multi-billion dollar assets, take executive accountability for Tower’s Pacific Island operations and play a leading role in Tower’s earthquake recovery programme.

Boggs also played a leading role in the recent group-wide programme that resulted in the sales of Tower’s life insurance, health insurance and investment management businesses, as well as developing stand-alone audited accounts for each.

In March this year, Boggs was named the country’s top chief financial officer at the New Zealand CFO Awards.

“My experience is focused on managing large scale and diverse assets to create clear analysis and strategy for growth,” says Boggs. “At Tower I led a strategic financial review which culminated in the development of a five-year growth strategy. I am looking forward to working with an outstanding team of people at NZME who are focused on making a difference for customers, staff and shareholders.”

He is due to begin his new role in the New Year.

In addition to this, NZME has also confirmed the appointment of Sir John Anderson chairman designate of the company in a strategic move that has been made as the company continues its ongoing consideration of an initial public offering. (Image credit: NZ Herald)   

Chair Peter Cosgrove said an approach had been made to Anderson to join the new NZME Board, subject to confirmation the listing would go ahead. 

“It is a great endorsement for NZME that the company and management team can attract one of New Zealand’s most respected directors, who clearly sees the potential of the business and believes he can play an important role in helping shape its future success,” said Cosgrove in a release. 

Anderson is currently the chair of Steel & Tube Holdings Ltd, NPT Ltd, Deputy Chair of Turners & Growers Ltd and a director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.  He was the former Chairman of the NZ Venture Investment Fund, Television New Zealand Ltd and PGG Wrightson Ltd.  He was also chief executive and director of ANZ National Bank from 2003 to 2005 and National Bank of NZ from 1989 to 2003.

Cosgrove also confirmed NZME has finished a programme of presentations to banks as part of the proposed IPO process, and that it will be commencing a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) in the near future. 

A duo returns
 
Lotto New Zealand’s chief executive Wayne Pickup has announced the appointment of returning staff to two senior strategy roles.

Kathryn Haworth is returning from maternity leave and has joined the executive team as general manager of strategy as of 6 October.
 
“This role is crucial for developing our long-term view for the business and providing a backdrop for planning and decision making going forward,” said Pickup in a release.
 
Kirsty Phillips is also returning from maternity leave to take up the position of head of customer experience from 20 October.


 
“As the head of customer experience, Kristy will oversee our insights and research team, online customer relationship management, and ensure our brand strategy is executed consistently across all channels,” said Pickup. “Both Kathryn and Kirsty have long been assets to Lotto New Zealand and I’m thrilled that they are both returning to take on these critical roles.”
 
Haworth was previously head of insights and strategic planning, while Phillips previously served as head of brand and communications.

From two wheels to four

Škoda has appointed world champion cyclist Alison Shanks as an official ambassador, with the aim of strengthen the brand’s association with cycling. 

This three-year deal consolidates Škoda NZ’s long-standing association with cycling, which already includes sponsorship of the National Cycling Centre of Excellence – Avantidrome, an ambassador program of young cyclists and sponsorship of local cycling events. 

According to a release, Škoda NZ will use its sponsorship activity to promote the benefits of cycling and to encourage more kiwi families to take up the sport.

“Cycling is enjoying a huge revival in the NZ at the moment and Škoda is incredibly proud to be part of it,” said Skoda’s general manager of New Zealand Greg Leet. “New Zealand boasts many of the sport’s brightest stars, including Alison Shanks, which makes us very excited to have her on board. We hope this will inspire families all over New Zealand to get out on their bikes and have fun.” 

Shanks, who retired from the sport earlier this year, also expressed enthusiasm about her involvement with the car brand: “I said when I retired that ‘once a cyclist, always a cyclist’ and Škoda has provided me with an amazing opportunity to extend my involvement in New Zealand Cycling as they too look to stamp their mark on Cycling in New Zealand and support our sport.” 

Shanks, a double Olympian in 2008 and 2012, and Commonwealth Games Champion in Delhi in 2010. She burst onto the cycling scene in 2006 after a career in Netball. She made steady progress finishing 4th at her first Olympics in Beijing 2008. Disappointed to narrowly miss a medal, Shanks rectified this in 2009 by winning her first World Championship title. However she states her career highlight was being crowned world champion for the second time in 2012, Melbourne, when her family were in the stands supporting her and they were able to celebrate together.

The talented Mr Sisarich

Film Construction added Chris Sisarich to its filmmaking roster.

A release from Film Construction says that Sisarich’s “eloquent visual style as a director comes from his years as an international fashion and advertising photographer”. 

“Being trained to tell a story in a single frame is a useful skill,” says Sisarich, “and I love adding movement, rhythm, and character to the tool set.”

Sisarich has shot in Prague, LA, Egypt and Sydney, and has exhibited work in New York, San Diego and Auckland.

In 2013 his work was recognised by Lurzer’s Archive in their ‘Top 200 Advertising Photographers Worldwide’.

Executive producer Tim Pietranski said:  “As well as his vast photographic knowledge, Chris’s experiences in front of the camera have made a definite mark on his directorial style. He talks to talent with real insight, knowledge and empathy.”

Chris has also become relatively well known as a judge on the Next Top Model franchise, and for several roles in international TVCs.

Leaving the telco

Emma Carter, who has served as the senior communications manager at Vodafone for over two and half years, has left the telco to take on a communications role at Fairfax. 

Prior to working at Vodfone, Carter served as a senior account director at Spark Activate for two years between May 2010 and April 2012, and before that as consumer PR manager at T-Mobile in the UK.

In addition, she also held an account director role at Publicasity (for two years) and served as an events and sponsorship manager at Total UK from 2002 to 2005.      

The holiday ends

Speaking of Fairfax, Amber McEwen, who served as the communications manager at the conglomerate for six months, has taken on a new position as the external relations manager at DB Breweries.

McEwen’s new role started on 1 October, and follows on from a short stint travelling around South East Asia.       

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