New Chief Executive appointed

International business executive Peter Chrisp has been appointed to lead New Zealand Trade and Enterprise into the next decade.

Minister of Economic Development Gerry Brownlee and Minister of Trade Tim Groser announced the appointment on 16 July.

Mr Chrisp is currently based in Sydney as regional president Australia for major multinational Norske Skog and will move to Wellington to take up the role of NZTE chief executive effective 23 August 2010.

Mr Brownlee said that in seeking a new chief executive the government and the NZTE board were looking for an outstanding leader with the vision, energy and aspiration to lead NZTE in enabling the success of New Zealand businesses in export markets around the world.

“It was important for us to take the time to appoint the right person for the job, and that meant an international search,” Mr Brownlee said.

“The board has appointed Peter because he has the combination of export and international business experience, strategic leadership capability, commercial acumen, and political insight to work with NZTE’s diverse national and international stakeholders.

“He is an experienced exporter and his work globally has exposed him to major projects across the public and private sector.”

Mr Chrisp’s international business career spans more than 20 years in the engineering, manufacturing and pulp and paper industries.  He worked his way through the management ranks at Fletcher Challenge Paper (which was then purchased by multinational Norske Skog), for whom he worked initially in New Zealand, then at headquarters in Oslo, and more recently in Sydney.

Mr Groser said Mr Chrisp would bring a wealth of experience and expertise to NZTE. 

“Peter brings an international perspective, export experience and a clear understanding of the need to harness New Zealand’s potential.

“He is a committed New Zealander, is passionate about New Zealand business and has an excellent understanding of New Zealand’s position and international economic aspirations.

“He is also personable and engaging, and is somebody we are confident will be able to lead and inspire staff to continue the work that led to NZTE winning the World Trade Promotion Award in October 2008.”

Mr Chrisp replaces founding chief executive Tim Gibson who left in December 2009.

Biography

Peter Chrisp’s career spans more than 20 years in the engineering, manufacturing and pulp and paper industries, starting with the New Zealand Engineers Union as an educator.  He progressed through the management ranks at the union and at Fletcher Challenge Paper before moving to Norske Skog for whom he worked in Tauranga, then at headquarters in Oslo as senior vice president business improvement, and more recently in Sydney.

Peter holds a Master of Arts in Social Sciences from Massey University and has undertaken additional study in law, marketing, management and accounting and finance at universities in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe.  He has held several board roles, notably on the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce and the NZ Qualifications Authority, was a member of the Industry Training Ministerial Advisory Committee in 2001 and currently is a member the Australia Pulp and Paper Industry Strategy Group.

Peter is 48, married to Judith, with three children (8, 12, and 14) and enjoys wilderness multi-sport.