Crown Irrigation appoints chief executive

23 September 2013

Crown Irrigation appoints chief executive

The newly formed Crown Irrigation Investments Limited (Crown Irrigation) has selected a proven investment professional, Murray Gribben, as its first chief executive.

Chair Alison Paterson said “Murray will bring to the role a strong combination of investment experience and working knowledge of the primary sector”.

Crown Irrigation has been established to help harness the potential of irrigation to accelerate New Zealand’s economic development by making targeted, bridging investments in larger, regional scale irrigation schemes. The Government has signaled its willingness to invest up to $400 million.

Murray Gribben’s investment experience spans New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. Currently he is a director of leading property development and investment firm Willis Bond where he is responsible for capital raising and property investment.

Previously Mr Gribben was managing director of AMP Capital Investors, New Zealand’s largest funds management firm. His responsibilities included infrastructure, property and private equity investment in New Zealand. He has held senior roles with Henderson Global Investors in the United Kingdom.

“The opportunity, as chief executive of Crown Irrigation, to help facilitate the development of irrigation infrastructure that will transform the productivity of New Zealand’s farm land is exciting. Having owned and managed a South Wairarapa farming business I’ve had first-hand experience of the pivotal role water plays in rural economic growth”, said Mr Gribben.

“The board looks forward to working with Murray as we progress towards making our first investments”, said Mrs Paterson. “Importantly, on behalf of the board, I also wish to acknowledge the great work done by interim chief executive Damian Diack and his team to establish Crown Irrigation’s operations.”

Mr Gribben will join Crown Irrigation on 18 November.

ENDS

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