Movers & shakers

John Avery has been appointed as chairman of SnowPlanet, the Auckland-based leisure company about to build a "real snow" attraction in Silverdale, Auckland. SnowPlanet has also appointed Eduard Ebbinge and Christian Dunnwald as directors.

Mike Stringer has been appointed business development manager, WebRecruit, for human resources software provider, PayGlobal. Stringer was previously project manager with nzjobs, and has spent four years developing online recruitment channels in New Zealand and Britain.

Fairfax Magazines has promoted Kate Coughlan to the newly created position of editor-in-chief, lifestyle publications. Coughlan will continue to edit NZ House & Garden and onHoliday magazines.

Flight Centre has appointed Sue Matson general manager of the human resources and training division, Peopleworks, Auckland. Matson was area leader for all Flight Centre stores from Nelson to New Plymouth. It has also appointed Jodie Burnard as advertising manager, responsible for the Great Holiday Escape brand. Burnard was previously a sales executive with Kumuka Expeditions.

Microsoft has appointed a home and entertainment division country manager for New Zealand. Wilf Robinson, 34, assumes national responsibility for PC software, games and hardware, Xbox and home and entertainment sales and marketing, reporting to the Asia Pacific regional director.

Flight Centre has appointed Heather McGregor business leader of its employee health and fitness division, Healthwise. She will be responsible for developing and growing the division's services and contracting out other health-related services for staff.

Engineering and environmental professional services company, URS New Zealand, has appointed four new water resources specialists to its Auckland team. Hock Lee, senior water resources engineer, has 20 years' experience in design and management of civil and environmental engineering projects. Lavanya Susarla, senior water quality scientist, has worked on water quality and environmental assignments. Eloise De Basio, senior environmental engineer, joins URS from Metrowater. And environmental engineer Doreen Ho has recently completed a degree in environmental engineering at Auckland University.

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