Former dairy boss to lead new trade-industry agency

12.30pm

Tim Gibson, managing director of Kapiti Cheeses Ltd, has been named chief executive of the Government's big new trade agency.

Mr Gibson said today he was looking forward to taking up his new job on April 7, and said that although he was sorry to be leaving the tiny cheese company, his new task was "of critical importance to New Zealand's future".

Mr Gibson was previously a senior Dairy Board and Fonterra executive, and managing director of New Zealand Milk (Europe), where he led the formation of the Anchor/Lurpak joint venture with Arla Foods (the largest milk co-operative in Europe) to handle all their combined butter and margarine sales into the British market.

His appointment was announced today by the chairman of the establishment board for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Phil Lough -- himself a former high-ranking Dairy Board executive.

The Government announced at the same time the new name for the merger of Trade New Zealand and Industry New Zealand, which Mr Lough said was a response to feedback from clients on the need for a single economic and trade development agency.

Mr Lough said Mr Gibson was highly respected as a strong business leader and his international marketing experience in the dairy industry and management skills would be immensely valuable.

Mr Gibson was chosen for his outstanding business and leadership skills, and brought experience in management, exporting, manufacturing and international marketing. Before joining the Dairy Board, Mr Gibson spent three years working for the State Services Commission, and seven years with manufacturing business Donaghy's.

The present chief executive of Industry New Zealand, Neil Mackay, will step down on March 27.

The former chief executive of Trade New Zealand, Fran Wilde, finished her job in December 2002.

The bill bringing about the merger of the two organisations was introduced to Parliament two weeks ago, and Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton said the new agency would "maximise" jobs and business advice.

"Businesses will benefit from having advice under one roof," he said.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise will be established on July 1. It will be governed by a board appointed by ministers.

The new organisation will develop and implement trade, industry and regional development policies in partnership with "industry, businesses, iwi, central and local government, and relevant community groups".

Former trade minister Lockwood Smith last year criticised the merger, saying it risked damaging trade promotions.

The merged organisations had totally different mindsets and political bases, he said.

Trade New Zealand was free of political interference, and delivering good value for money, he said.

- NZPA