New directors for Eastland Group

Keith Sutton

TWO new directors have been appointed to the Eastland Group board of directors.

Keith Sutton and Fiona Mules have been appointed to replace Nelson Cull, who stood down at Eastland Group’s annual meeting in August, and fill another seat added to the board.

Director of Sutton McCarthy Limited, Keith Sutton has built a career providing strategic, financial and treasury advice to clients, specialising in corporate governance and risk management. His early career was in investment banking and corporate finance, in New Zealand and overseas.

Mr Sutton is a member of the Maori Trustee advisory board, a director of Gough Group Limited, Wellington International Airport Limited and is involved in a range of farming businesses in Gisborne and elsewhere in New Zealand and Tasmania. He was previously chairman of Taranaki Investment Management Limited and the New Zealand Futures Exchange.

Fiona Mules is the former head of New Zealand Treasury’s Public Private Partnership Programme, designed to bring about greater efficiencies in the provision of public services, and more effective capital asset management.

Ms Mules has an investment banking background and held roles as corporate finance director for Price Waterhouse Coopers, and manager with Westpac’s corporate advisory team. She now acts as an independent consultant, advising several public-sector agencies on current and potential PPP projects.

Ms Mules is an independent member of the Housing Infrastructure Fund Panel with MBIE, as well as the Capital Investment Panel and National Infrastructure Advisory Board with the New Zealand Treasury. She is also the deputy chairwoman of Development Christchurch.

ECT chairman Michael Muir said the extra member to the board was added because of the high calibre of candidates.

He was pleased Mr Sutton and Ms Mules were available to add their considerable expertise to the board and he has no doubt both will make a significant contribution to the strategic direction of the company.

“Eastland Group’s directors are ultimately responsible for critical pieces of regional infrastructure, which in turn support the growth aspirations of our community. The roles taken up by Mr Sutton and Ms Mules are pivotal, and we expect their considerable expertise will ensure the company provides the best returns to the community, ensuring socio-economic gains throughout the region,” he said.

Eastland Group chief executive Matt Todd was also pleased with the appointment.

“They will play an important role in helping guide the continuing development and ensuring the ongoing success of Eastland Group.”

The Eastland Group board is composed of independent directors who set the course for the company with the help of the Eastland Group leadership team.

Tony Gray is acting interim chairman with Matanuku Mahuika, John Rae, Michael Glover and Keiran Devine making up the remainder of the board.

Eastland Community Trust, as Eastland Group’s only shareholder, has sole responsibility for appointing Eastland Group’s board of directors.

Directors are appointed for a three-year term but can seek reappointment at the end of their tenure.