Appointment of Chief Executive to Priority One

6 June 2006

Appointment of Chief Executive to Priority One

Priority One is the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region’s economic development organisation. It was established in 2001 by business community leaders in partnership with the two local authorities and the regional council. Priority One is the first economic development organisation in New Zealand to be initiated by the business community and run along business principles of action and results.

Priority One is pleased to announce the recent appointment of David Marriott to the position of Chief Executive. David brings significant experience and knowledge to this key role from his diverse background in both the private and public sectors. He also has strengths in the areas of strategy development, governance and business development and performance.

David has an engineering background, moving into contracting, management and governance roles. He has previously worked with large corporates in strategic development positions, as well as having experience in small business and developing an understanding of the pressures this sector faces.

Most recently, David was involved in driving the growth of Transfield Services in New Zealand. Transfield now has some 4,000 employees across the country providing maintenance and operational services to industry, roading, oil and gas infrastructure, local authorities, telecommunications and power companies. Prior to this he spent four years as a direct advisor to the Ministers of State Owned Enterprises and Finance on the performance, direction and risks of the government SOE portfolio.

“Priority One is working on initiatives aimed at attracting inward investment, business relocations and skilled people to the region, as well as ensuring infrastructure is in place to manage the projected growth” says Priority One Chairman Murray Davies. “The Board at Priority One is pleased to welcome David to the team. He brings a valuable skill set to the region, including a strong strategic approach and commercial experience in establishing and running a range of businesses in diverse sectors. His background in environments spanning commercial and social benefit activities coupled with a good understanding of both private sector and central government operations will be fundamental to delivering on Priority One goals.”

A rigorous national advertising and recruitment campaign was undertaken on behalf of Priority One by Brett Looker, Recruitment Director of Human Resource Group Ltd, a specialist Tauranga recruitment and consulting company. Interest in the position was strong and came from far afield, with almost 70 applications received from New Zealand, the USA, Australia and South Africa.

“This has been an immensely challenging but rewarding recruitment opportunity.” says Brett Looker.

“The challenge has centred on matching the high selection criteria of Priority One with the business skill sets, leadership attributes and capability building abilities of the successful candidate. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome of this recruitment campaign and wish David and the Priority One Team every success in the future.”

David will be relocating from Auckland and has long held a desire to settle in the Bay of Plenty. He believes the role will provide both a personal challenge and an opportunity to share in the successes of Priority One. David will commence employment with Priority One at the end of June.

ENDS

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