New appointments at NZTE

New appointments at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

5 May 2010:

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) has made nine appointments to its New Zealand-based management team.

Peter Bull, formerly NZTE’s Regional Director – Americas in Los Angeles, has returned to Wellington as acting NZTE Group General Manager – Corporate Services. Peter has worked at NZTE since 2002, where he was initially involved in the development of its strategy for developing the food and beverage sector. This year he has led a team in Wellington that provides solutions to help New Zealand businesses improve their performance. Prior to joining NZTE, he had a long career in New Zealand’s agri-business sector which included roles with ENZA, Zespri, Yates and Watties. As Group General Manager - Corporate Services, Peter is responsible for NZTE's finance, information technology, property and legal services.
Alan Crofts is NZTE’s Director – Networks and is responsible for ensuring the businesses NZTE works with have access to high quality business advice, commercial knowledge and influential contacts. Previously NZTE’s Director – Beachheads, his responsibilities continue to include development of the Beachheads programme, which connects participating companies to experienced business advisors in international markets. Alan now also oversees NZTE’s relationships with partner programmes such as Kea New Zealand and the World Class New Zealand network, as well as with professional service providers and agencies which can support the international growth of New Zealand businesses. Alan is based in Auckland.

Andrew White has been appointed Director – Regions, Research and Business Services, and is responsible for NZTE’s regional activities throughout New Zealand, NZTE’s Business Services team, and the provision of market intelligence and research on sectors, businesses, global opportunities and trade statistics. Andrew returned to New Zealand in 2009 after 18 years in China and Japan. During this time he held a number of NZTE roles, most recently Director, China – overseeing the operations of all NZTE’s offices and key relationships in China, one of our most important trade partners. He has also held the positions of Trade Commissioner in Shanghai and Trade Commissioner in Tokyo. Andrew is based in Auckland.

Craig Armstrong has been appointed Director – Key Accounts, and is responsible for NZTE’s work with large and capable New Zealand companies that are already well established in international markets. The Key Accounts team works with companies and influencers at a governance and senior management level to generate and deliver agreed strategic, financial and operational outcomes to help the business strengthen and grow in international markets, and to ensure a net economic benefit for New Zealand. Craig was previously NZTE’s Director Specialised Manufacturing. Before joining NZTE in 2007, Craig was managing director of a boutique consultancy that he set up in Melbourne to provide strategy, marketing and commercialisation resources to blue chip and start-up companies, and also to private equity clients. Craig is based in Auckland.

Dieter Adam joined NZTE in October 2009 as Director – Food & Beverage/Biotechnology. He is responsible for NZTE’s food and beverage and biotechnology focused activities, including the Food & Beverage Taskforce. Prior to joining NZTE Dieter ran his own consultancy company, working with a number of larger companies and organisations in the primary and food & beverage sectors to develop their strategic plans and increase returns on their investment in innovation. He also spent a number of years with Hamilton-based Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) as their R&D Manager and subsequently Group General Manager Innovation. Dieter is based in Auckland.

Hans Frauenlob has been appointed Director – Specialised Manufacturing, with responsibility for NZTE’s Specialised Manufacturing team and work with businesses in the wider manufacturing and materials sectors. Hans has an extensive background in information technology and management in New Zealand and in Canada. Prior to his current role, Hans was NZTE’s Director ICT, and also managed NZTE's Beachheads programme. Hans is based in Auckland.

Kefeng Chu has been appointed Operations Director – China, a newly established role based in Wellington. The New Zealand based position is a key element of NZTE’s commitment to assisting New Zealand businesses to fully engage in the China market. Kefeng is of Chinese descent and originates from mainland China. Kefeng brings with him a broad and detailed knowledge of the Chinese communities in New Zealand. Prior to joining NZTE, Kefeng was Senior Manager – Strategic Ethnic Advisor for the New Zealand Police.

Christchurch-based Leone Evans has been appointed Director-Relationships, and is responsible for managing key business relationships in the South Island (specifically Canterbury), and also managing NZTE’s Christchurch office. Prior to her current role, Leone was NZTE’s Director Food & Beverage. Leone has over 20 years experience in the private sector, in a variety of roles which have contributed to an extensive knowledge of developing and conducting business within international markets. Her private sector experience includes the meat, dairy, arable and apparel industries.

Richard Laverty has recently returned to New Zealand after four years as NZTE’s Regional Director - Europe, Middle East and Africa, based in Germany, to take up the role of Director – ICT, Creative and Services. He is responsible for NZTE’s engagement with New Zealand companies in the ICT, Creative and Services industries, including related sector development initiatives. Richard has 20 years of industry experience spanning engineering, R&D, business development, strategy, and general management, gained during a career within the New Zealand dairy industry.

ENDS

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