Mr Preece made a lifestyle move to New Zealand in 2004 and has since been involved in the hospitality industry, and worked as a conference organiser and a business mentor.
He sits on the advisory board of hi-tech, start-up business Parrot Analytics.
Mr Preece said he is looking forward to his Northland Inc role and its associated challenges.
He hopes to see Northland with high-quality fibre which is easy to connect to, accessible to all and built and operated to world class standard.
"I'm aiming to work with retail providers of UFB and Northpower Fibre to generate and promote interest in the early connectivity and bottom-line benefits of adopting ultra-fast broadband technology."
Mr Preece will work across a variety of sectors to promote, educate and help deliver digital technology solutions that can add value, cut costs and increase businesses' competitiveness.
"As Whangarei will be the first city in New Zealand with the infrastructure in place to roll out UFB, my initial focus needs to be primarily geared to localised businesses, but will eventually extend to other parts of the region.
"I'm also keen to see Northland and Whangarei promoted as areas which encourage and welcome hi-tech-focused business opportunities."
In a press release Northland Inc's executive chairman Colin Mitten said he is pleased to have secured someone of Mr Preece's calibre for the new role.
