Chamber appoints new CEO

MEDIA RELEASE

November 7

Chamber appoints new CEO

The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce has appointed Philip Lewin as its new CEO, President Barrie Saunders said in a statement today.

Lewin is presently Deputy Director Trade Negotiations Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, (MFAT).

He holds a BA Hons (First Class) from Victoria University of Wellington, a M Phil from Balliol College Oxford, gained while on a Rhodes Scholarship, and a Diploma in Social Sciences from Massey University where he studied economics.

Mr Lewin served overseas in MFAT posts in Moscow, at the time communism was rejected by the Russian people, and in Washington where he dealt with WTO, APEC and dairy access issues. He has represented MFAT in policy areas such as industry assistance and played a major role in the recently negotiated Singapore free trade agreement.

Mr Saunders said the Chamber had a total of 40 candidates to consider and is “extremely pleased that it was able to appoint someone as talented as Philip Lewin to the post. He has a proven track record, particularly in the trade arena which will be very valuable to the Chamber and the wider business community”.

Mr Lewin will take up the position in mid January taking over from acting CEO Simon Arnold who has been managing the Chamber since September.

Issued by Barrie Saunders
471 2125

Philip Lewin
494 8379 (Work)

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