Tauranga Chamber of Commerce new chief 'really excited' by opportunity

Matt Cowley, Tauranga's Chamber of Commerce's new chief executive, says he's excited by the "great opportunity" he's been given and cannot wait to get his feet under the desk.

The chamber's current chief executive, Stan Gregec revealed earlier this year that he was stepping down.

"Matt comes to the chamber from Fire Security Services where he has been the
national sales manager since 2016. Prior to that, he was an elected city councillor with
Tauranga City (2013 - 2016) and an analyst with Bay of Plenty Regional Council (2006 -
2013)," Gregec said in a statement.

Cowley has a Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning from Massey University
and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of
Waikato.

He takes up his new role at the Chamber on June 3.

Cowley told the Bay of Plenty Times that he was "really excited" to be part of the next chapter for the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce.

"The chamber has a long and proud history of helping many businesses to succeed, both locally and abroad," he said.

"I'm looking forward to working with the chamber's experienced board, which is elected by the membership. My role is simple: Implement the board's strategy."

Cowley said he could not wait to get up to speed on all the hard work the chamber has put into their new strategy so far.

"I have a lot to learn and catch up on. I've been involved with the chamber for nearly a decade, mainly through the LINKT Young People in Business network.

"Now I have a great opportunity to be part of its future," he said.

Gregec was appointed to the role in June 2015.

He had previously told the Bay of Plenty Times the chamber was charting a new pathway forward and it was time to hand on the reins to somebody new.

"The chamber is one of those organisations that needs a constant injection of new ideas and fresh energy to stay relevant and exciting to its members," he said.

"I am not one for overstaying my time in any role. I've had my day in the sun, and I want to make way for a new person and what they can bring to the role."