New Taupō council executive team named

Taupō District Council Chief Executive, Gareth Green has announced the appointment of a new executive leadership team.

Taupō District Council Chief Executive, Gareth Green.

It follows a review of the council structure to enable the organisation to face current and future challenges and capitalise on important opportunities for the district.

“I am delighted to be able to announce a refreshed and dynamic executive leadership team who bring varied skills and experience that will take this organisation and district forward,” Mr Green said.

The new executive leadership team is:

Julie Gardyne – Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Julie (pictured, main image) is currently the General Manager Strategy and Transformation at Whakatane District Council and brings considerable local government expertise to the role. Julie has a strong economic development and strategy background, as well as considerable involvement in Civil Defence emergencies and the recovery process.

Andrew Peckham – General Manager Corporate

Andrew is a chartered accountant and experienced people leader who has worked in various commercial areas. While new to local government, Andrew has worked extensively in the Taupo District, in his previous roles with Mercury Energy.

John Ridd – General Manager Policy & Strategy

John has held various roles at council for the last 18 years, including as the Head of Economic Development and Business Transformation. John will bring a fresh focus to our strategy and regulatory areas, with his economic development background.

Kevin Strongman – General Manager Operations & Delivery

Kevin continues in this critical role as well as taking on some new portfolios including the airport, events and venues. Kevin has a wide-ranging engineering and management background along with extensive local government experience across a wide range of areas, including previously in the regional council role.

“We are very fortunate to have been able to attract an executive team of this calibre, and I am excited about bringing this team together to build on the great work that we have been doing,” Mr Green said.

“I have every confidence that together we have the skills, experience and passion to be able to lead our organisation to make this the very best council and district in the country.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the outgoing executive leadership team who are moving on to explore new chapters of their own journeys. They have done an amazing job over the years, through many changes and challenges. This new executive team is inheriting an organisation that has a very solid foundation as a result of this hard work and dedication.

“The new executive leadership team will come together in the coming weeks to start our exciting journey of transformation for the council and district.”