Whanganui District Council has appointed a new general manager, Philippa Ivory, to lead its economic development arm, Whanganui and Partners.
Currently general manager of marketing and communications for New Zealand Rugby League, Ms Ivory will move to Whanganui after fulfilling her commitments to the Rugby League World Cup being held in New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea. She is expected to take up the general manager role for Whanganui and Partners in early January 2018.
"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Philippa Ivory into this role", Whanganui and Partners chairman Myles Fothergill said.
"Philippa returns to Whanganui following an extensive and successful career in business leadership, marketing, promotions, event-planning and brand management.
"Her appointment will undoubtedly make a very valuable contribution to the business of growing prosperity and well-being across all aspects of our district's economy."
Whanganui District Council's chief executive, Kym Fell, said council was fortunate to have secured a high-calibre professional to lead the economic development agency.
"We see this very much as a key appointment for Whanganui and we've focused on attracting the leadership capability required to accelerate and advance economic growth in our district," Mr Fell said.
Whanganui and Partners has also made appointments to fill strategic lead roles in business and in marketing and destination.
The organisation will relocate into the Innovation Quarter, a collaborative shared working space, along with the Whanganui Chamber of Commerce and Te Manu Atatū, in St Hill St.
The Innovation Quarter will support better collaboration between business, education and government.
"It will provide a physical place and a virtual platform to encourage innovation and will create opportunities for people to share knowledge and become inspired," Mr Fothergill said.
"This is an exciting time for Whanganui and Partners and we are looking forward, with Philippa's leadership, to making a meaningful difference for our district and our stakeholders."