Ken Harris, a Lower Hutt-based businessman who is part owner of logistics company NZL Group, will take up the role of chief executive of the Employers' Chamber of Commerce Central (ECCC) on October 1.The ECCC was created via the merger between the Welling
Ken Harris, a Lower Hutt-based businessman who is part owner of logistics company NZL Group, will take up the role of chief executive of the Employers' Chamber of Commerce Central (ECCC) on October 1.
The ECCC was created via the merger between the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Employers and Manufacturers Association (Central) last month.
"I'm interested in the role for a whole host of reasons. I've been part of the Wellington business community for a long time and I'm pretty committed to Wellington," Mr Harris told NZPA.
"It is a chance to contribute locally."
Mr Harris will remain as a major shareholder and director of NZL Group, a privately owned logistic company which is trying to set up a container terminal business at Port of Tauranga.
Mr Harris said he has been able to step back from a management role at NZL Group.
Former Fonterra executive Matthew Foster has taken on the role of general manager, commercial at NZL Group and the role of transport manager Tony Cummins has been expanded.
Jo Bransgrove, president of the Employers' Chamber of Commerce Central, said Mr Harris would bring extensive commercial experience to the job as well as a strong understanding of local and national business issues.
"He has previously served on the board of the Regional Economic Development Agency and as vice-president of the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce."
The role of the merged Wellington business group includes advice to employers, lobbying, networking, training and information distribution.
