Secretary of Foreign Affairs And Trade Appointed

State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie has today announced the appointment of Brook Barrington as Chief Executive and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

Mr Barrington is a senior public servant. His career includes 20 years in MFAT working on foreign policy and international trade issues, including as Ambassador to Thailand. More recently he has been Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, and for the last three years has been a Deputy Chief Executive at the Ministry of Justice.

“I am very pleased to appoint Brook Barrington to this important role,” Mr Rennie said.

“Brook has significant experience in diplomacy, international negotiations and trade as a former Ambassador and long serving diplomat, as well as experience in senior leadership roles in other sectors of the Public Service,” he said.

“MFAT has an important and unique role in representing New Zealand and promoting our interests overseas as well as providing assistance to New Zealanders in other countries when they need it”.

“Public agencies working together as a single ‘system’ focused on ongoing improvement to the services we provide New Zealanders is a major priority for the Public Service,” said Mr Rennie.

“I am confident Brook will be able to draw on his networks and experience across the Public Service to work as a team with other chief executives and ensure MFAT’s work is well integrated and aligned”.

Mr Barrington has been appointed for a five year term commencing on 23 March 2015.

Craig Hawke will be Acting Chief Executive until Mr Barrington takes up the role.

The Chief Executive and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for a network of 57 posts in 50 countries. MFAT has 103 accreditations to other countries and 74 Honorary Consuls.

ENDS

© Scoop Media