Richard Griffin to chair Radio New Zealand

Richard Griffin to chair Radio New Zealand

By Pattrick Smellie

April 14 (BusinessDesk) – Radio New Zealand’s one-time political editor Richard Griffin has been named chairman of his old employer, replacing Christine Grice, in a move tipped since his elevation to the deputy chairmanship.

Griffin, who worked as National Party Prime Minister Jim Bolger’s press secretary in the late 1990’s has more latterly worked as a lobbyist, including for Television New Zealand.

Moving into the deputy chair’s role is Josh Easby, a former Brierley Investments Ltd. executive who was heavily involved in the restructuring of what is now MediaWorks Ltd., owner of the TV3 and Radio Live broadcasting franchises.

The combination of the urbane and politically connected Griffin with Easby as an experienced print and broadcasting entrepreneur is seen as signalling the potential for a shake-up at the state-funded, public service broadcaster.

Former National Cabinet Minister Paul East has been reappointed to the board, while two new directors, Sheena Henderson and Deborah Taylor, have been appointed, meaning only one sitting director appointed by the previous government remains, with sitting director Yvonne Sharp also stepping down with Grice.

Henderson was previously global brand director for Fonterra, and is a Christchurch-based consultant specialising in branding, marketing and corporate advisory work. Taylor, a self-employed business consultant from Queenstown, has an extensive financial and legal background and is a former director and principal of a chartered accounting firm.

(BusinessDesk)

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