Media Release

July 30, 2007

Industrialist McConnell takes Eisenhower Fellowship

Committee for Auckland director and managing director of McConnell Limited, David McConnell has been chosen as New Zealand’s top emerging leader with his acceptance into the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship in 2008.

Considered to be one of the world’s most sought after endorsements, the Eisenhower Fellowship is headed by former US Secretary of State General Colin Powell and was founded in 1953 as a tribute to Dwight Eisenhower.

The fellowship annually identifies 25 emerging leaders from around the world and brings them to America for two months to meet with the cream of leaders in their respective fields.

Mr McConnell was selected from a large number of applications from people with exemplary leadership.

A former Mighty River Power director and TelstraClear Pacific trustee, Mr McConnell has a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) from Canterbury University, an MBA from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Chicago and has been a recipient of the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award.

McConnell is a leading construction and property development group whose subsidiaries include Hawkins Construction, McConnell Property and Steelpipe.

“The calibre of this year’s applicants was truly outstanding and it was a difficult decision but David is a very worthy recipient,” says Eisenhower Fellowship selection panel member and Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

“David’s CV is particularly impressive and he also demonstrated the energy and motivation to be committed to return to New Zealand to share his new found knowledge and experience. He will undoubtedly be dedicated to this country’s leadership.”

Others on the selection panel included businessman Mark Sainsbury (chair and a former Eisenhower Fellow), former Attorney General Paul East QC, Julian Miles QC, Gavin Cormack (Beca's chair) and ASB Trust chief executive Jennifer Gill.

The fellowships foster international understanding and progress through the exchange of information, ideas and perspectives among emerging leaders throughout the world.

Mr McConnell will travel to America early next year and will visit 12 cities and attend between 60 and 80 meetings with various leaders.

The selection panel also selected Jon King and Peter Dowling as first and second alternates respectively.

ENDS

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