Scion chief executive to retire

Dr Warren Parker.

Scion chief executive Dr Warren Parker will retire once a replacement has been found, it was announced today.

The Crown Research Institute said in a statement that a search for his replacement was underway.

Dr Parker joined Scion in March 2011 and after almost six years at the helm and more than 20 years in senior executive roles now wants to focus on directorships, grandchildren, and checking off his 'bucket list'.

"It has been a privilege to lead Scion through a positive period of change including
implementing the CRI Taskforce reforms and strengthening industry, iwi and international relationships," said Dr Parker.

"The challenges posed by climate change and the imperative to manage land within tighter environmental limits, means a vibrant forest industry is even more vital to New Zealand's economic and environmental future than in the past."

"The science at Scion uniquely applies across the value chain, is internationally competitive and underpins an increasingly strong technology commercialisation pipeline that will support the growth of New Zealand's bioeconomy."

Dr Parker said it was an appropriate time for him to hand over to a new leader to take Scion through its next phase of growth and impact.

Scion Chair Tony Nowell acknowledged the excellent progress under Dr Parker's leadership.

"The institute is in very good heart, is about to embark on the second phase of major
facilities modernisation at its Rotorua campus and has a very able executive team in place to keep up the momentum of current initiatives."

"It is an exciting time for a new chief executive to build on the very good platform Scion now has in place with industry, iwi, government agencies and research collaborators," said Mr Nowell.

"Dr Parker will work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition to his successor. The new appointee is expected to be in place early in the New Year."