Alex Malahoff To Head Crown Research Institute

11 DECEMBER 2001
Prof Alex Malahoff To Head Crown Research Institute

Professor Alex Malahoff has been appointed Chief Executive of the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS). He is scheduled to take up the job on 1 July 2002.

Dr Malahoff, a former Wellingtonian, is Professor of Oceanography and past chairman of the Department of Ocean Engineering at the University of Hawaii. He is also a Director of the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory.

For the past two years he has been a Director of GNS. As designate Chief Executive, he will spend a week in New Zealand each month on GNS business until July 2002.

Dr Malahoff is an internationally recognised specialist in submarine volcanism, ocean engineering, tectonics, and undersea minerals. He is noted for his study of a newly-formed undersea volcano named Loihi which may eventually become an Hawaiian island.

A veteran of more than 200 dives in research submersibles, he has developed world-class technologies for undersea exploration and researching marine geology.

He left New Zealand in the 1960s with an MSc from Victoria University and gained a PhD in geophysics at the University of Hawaii.

Earlier this year he received an honorary doctorate from Victoria University for his achievements in oceanography, geophysics, and marine engineering.

GNS Chairman Dr Derek Milne said the GNS Board was delighted with Dr Malahoff's appointment as he brought great experience and reputation in earth and ocean sciences. His extensive international links would also be valuable.

For Dr Malahoff it is full circle. His first job after graduating from university was as a geophysicist with the then DSIR in Wellington.

Dr Malahoff replaces Dr Andrew West who left GNS in March to become chief executive of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

ENDS

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