People in business: Appointments

Chapman Tripp has appointed six new partners, making the law firm the largest legal partnership in New Zealand.

Paula Brosnahan works in the area of environment, planning and resource management. Ms Brosnahan has previously practised environmental law in San Francisco.

Daniel Kalderimis and Edward Scorgie have been appointed to litigation and dispute resolution roles. Mr Kalderimis was previously with international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. Mr Scorgie has extensive experience in building, construction and infrastructure and tax disputes.

Penny Sheerin co-leads the financial services regulation team and specialises in funds management and securities law. Before joining Chapman Tripp, she worked for the Securities Commission and Takeovers Panel. Emma Sutcliffe specialises in corporate finance law advising banks, corporates, SOEs and other entities.

Garth Gallaway has been appointed a partner in the Christchurch office. Mr Gallaway has experience in insurance-related litigation and has worked for numerous insurance companies and underwriters. Previously, he spent 10 years as a partner at Duncan Cotterill.

Dun & Bradstreet has appointed Gareth Joneschief executive officer. He will take over from Christine Christian. Mr Jones is president of D&B Europe and managing director of D&B United Kingdom and Ireland, with previous roles in general management, sales and human resource in the pharmaceuticals, industrial and hotel industry.

The University of Canterbury has appointed former New Zealand ambassador to the US John Woodas chancellor, effective January 2012. Wood has been pro (deputy) chancellor of the university since 2008, the same year he was made a companion of the Queen’s Service Order for public service. Mr Wood’s career has also seen him taking up ambassador-level appointments to Iran, Pakistan, Turkey as well as the US.

CPA Australia in New Zealand has elected two members to leadership roles. Mark Stinsontakes over as divisional president fromDavid Searle, with Rod Marvinas his deputy.

Greg Gent has been appointed to the board of Southern Cross Medical Care Society. Mr Gent has a record of governance experience in mutual and co-operative businesses, recently stepping down after 10 years as a director of Fonterra. He currently chairs Farmers Mutual Group and was appointed to the Northland District Health Board by the Minister of Health in 2010.

Todd Corporation has elected Geoff Rickettschairman. He takes over from John Todd. Mr Ricketts was previously deputy chairman of Todd Corp, as well as chairman of Lion Nathan National Foods, and a director of Spotless Group and Suncorp Group.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development has appointed Graham Rousemanager for event design and development. Previously Mr Rouse spent three years abroad as events manager for the Emirates Airline Group.

Fletcher Building has appointed Australian Kate Spargoas an independent director. Ms Spargo has business experience from advisory roles on strategic and governance issues following a career in the legal sector. She is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Andrew McNally has been appointed group sales director by APN NZ Media. Mr McNally will be responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for APN group agency sales, metro direct sales, business marketing and New Zealand group sales across various New Zealand run news organisations. He is currently commercial director of News Lab, News Ltd’s creative hub for strategic media solutions across newspapers, digital and magazines.

Hannah Snell-Siddlehas been appointed as a solicitor with Brookfields Lawyers. She will work in the firm’s trust team. Davina Lalhas been appointed as a senior solicitor. Ms Lal comes from a legal role at the Auckland Council and has worked in a number of law firms and corporate sectors. Tina Pizzatohas been appointed as a solicitor. Her background includes several years at a commercial law firm in Auckland, primarily in commercial property law.

The Treasury has appointed Anna Symmans communications manager. Ms Symmans has worked in broadcast journalism, as a press secretary to former finance minister Ruth Richardson and as a communications consultant.

Accounting firm Staples Rodway has appointed Neal Blackburnchief operating officer. Mr Blackburn has experience in general management and strategy development and was most recently general manager for a commercial law firm in Auckland.

Fidelity Life has appointed Anne Blackburnas a director. Ms Blackburn has extensive financial services and corporate governance experience, with positions in banking and journalism. She has spent 15 years in investment banks in New York and London, returning to New Zealand in the mid-1990s.

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply Australasia (CIPS Australasia) has appointed Chris Morganchairman and Geoff Mayman, Mark Anselland Fiona Nissenas vice chairs of its New Zealand regional committee.