New CDC Chief Executive announced

Lyttelton Port Company deputy chairman and chairman of Christchurch City Networks Ltd (CCNL), Bill Luff, has been appointed Chief Executive of Canterbury Development Corporation, CDC Board Chair Garth Carnaby announced today.

“We are delighted to be able to announce Bill Luff’s appointment, from an excellent field of candidates,” Dr Carnaby said.

Mr Luff has been with CCNL since its inception in 2006 and his other directorships include Silverfern Farms (formerly PPCS), as well as several private companies.

Previously, Mr Luff has been Chief Executive of Tasman Energy Ltd and his senior executive roles with BP in London include Chief Executive Officer of BP Shipping, Head of Strategy, Planning & Control and Head of Human Resources.

“Bill has a broad background managing public entities and commercial organisations both in New Zealand and overseas. He is ideally suited to managing this public and private interface where CDC sits. And he has worked closely with CDC in securing funding and investment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Christchurch,” Dr Carnaby said.

Gerard Quinn will continue to work as acting Chief Executive of the economic development agency until Mr Luff takes up his appointment on August 4, whereupon Mr Quinn will resume duties as Chief Operating Officer.

At the end of June former CDC Chief Executive Chris Pickrill resigned after 12 years leading the agency, to explore new business opportunities in his own right.