Prior to his senior leadership experience, he was the director of pastoral care at Hamilton Boys' High School and is well-versed in the Super 8 ethos of which NBHS is a part, involving inter-school competition in more than a dozen sports and cultural pursuits, ranging from chess to First XV rugby.
"He is something of a renaissance man, a teacher of humanities and art who has coached First XV rugby," Landon said. "He strongly believes in the importance of inclusive educational opportunities where young men can become well-rounded and strive for excellence."
Moving to Hawke's Bay to start in the new job at the start of Term 3 at the end of July, Williams' wife, Margaret, also works in education and the couple have two adult children.
Landon said that during his appointment process, Williams was taken by the pride in the school which resonated from everyone he met. He feels "very privileged to be joining the school, an outstanding institution that blends values, tradition and a rigorous approach to academic excellence, with a vast array of extra-curricular opportunities".
"The opportunity to educate other people's children is a rare privilege."