Media Statement:The Treasury Appoints Non-Executives to Its Board

1 Sep 2010

Secretary to the Treasury John Whitehead today announced the appointment of three non-executive directors to its Board.

The Board is made up of Mr Whitehead and his two deputy chief executives Andrew Kibblewhite and Gabriel Makhlouf, along with the three new members: Paul Baines, Susan Macken and Joan Withers. It sets the Treasury’s strategic direction, monitors its performance and provides challenge to its thinking.

Mr Whitehead, who chairs the Board, said the trio were experienced company directors who would bring a great deal of governance and commercial wisdom to the Treasury’s top table.

"Having non-executive members of the Board will enable the Treasury to bring expertise, skills and perspectives from different sectors into the organisation; it will help us question how we have always done things and identify areas for improvement."

The Board will meet the Minister of Finance periodically with a focus on understanding the Minister’s priorities and ensuring the Treasury’s priorities are aligned with them.

The Treasury had worked closely with the State Services Commission in establishing the Board, Mr Whitehead said.

"I am on record as making a lot of noise about public sector performance and innovation. With an expanded Treasury Board, we are 'walking the talk' and trying something new. I am confident this initiative will make the Treasury a stronger organisation."

The new Board will hold the first of its monthly meetings in October.

Non-Executive Biographies

• Paul Baines has a background in financial and strategic management. He sits on the boards of the Institute of Economic Research, the Todd Corporation and the New Zealand School of Music. He is a former Chair of Barnardos and has served on the boards of the Reserve Bank and Telecom. He is a member of the Government’s Regulatory Responsibility Bill taskforce.

• Susan Macken is a director of the Bank of New Zealand, the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board and Fertility Associates. She is Chair of Crown Research Institute Environmental Science and Research. Previous directorships have included Southern Cross Healthcare, the NZ Racing Industry Board and the NZ Trade Development Board. She has worked for the World Bank as an economist.

• Joan Withers is a fulltime company director. She is Chair of Mighty River Power Ltd, deputy chair of Television New Zealand and a director of Auckland International Airport Ltd. She was previously Chief Executive of Fairfax Media in New Zealand and has significant senior executive and corporate governance experience.

ENDS

Related Document

Treasury Board Charter (1 September 2010): tsyboard-charter-1sep10.pdf (109 KB) [Scoop copy: tsyboardcharter1sep10.pdf]

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