Ariane Burgess New Lotteries Chief Executive

MEDIACOM-RELEASE-LOTTERIES-COMMISSION

ARIANE BURGESS NEW LOTTERIES CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Mrs Ariane Burgess, formerly Telecom's general manager communications, has been appointed chief executive of the New Zealand Lotteries Commission. She will take up her appointment on 3 April.

In announcing the appointment, Commission chairman Geoff Thompson said he was "delighted that a comprehensive international recruitment process had resulted in the appointment of a very well qualified local person".

"We went international because of the New Zealand Lotteries Commission's high standing in the international lottery world - we have a world-class business here, and special skills are needed to maintain its success."

"We are delighted we found the answer at home. Mrs Burgess has extensive business experience in general management, marketing and customer service in an increasingly competitive and changing environment.

"Her business experience covers all the most critical areas, and she is of very high standing in the community, known for her interest and support of the arts," Mr Thompson said.

Mrs Burgess' career has encompassed managing a public relations consultancy and working as Chief Government Press Secretary. She was appointed to head Telecom's communications division in 1988, and ran that until departing in 1999 to undertake consultancy work.

Mr Thompson said Mrs Burgess viewed the appointment as "a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the growth of Lotto - a favourite Kiwi icon - and to grow the profits which are distributed as lottery grants to the benefit of all New Zealanders."

She was "very much" looking forward to taking up her new role.

Mr Thompson said there had been extensive consultation with the State Services Commission and the Government during the appointment process, and all parties had expressed satisfaction. The remuneration level agreed upon, inclusive of all factors, was $270,000 per annum.

The Members of the Lotteries Commission particularly wished to thank Finance Manager Warren Salisbury "for most ably shouldering the task of being acting chief executive for these last few eventful months", Mr Thompson said. "He, the Commission executives, and staff, have done an excellent job."

ENDS....

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