Yachting New Zealand has appointed three new directors following the retirement of Murray Brown, John Butcher and Jenna Hansen, who between them gave 17 years to the board.
Jason Shoebridge and Catherine Brown have been appointed to three-year terms, with Nigel Skeggs stepping in to fill Butcher’s seat for the remainder of the year. Board chair Greg Knowles confirmed the appointments followed a rigorous process that drew strong interest from across the sector.
Shoebridge is chief executive of the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research. His governance CV covers chair of Aktive, deputy chair of Sport New Zealand, and director of NIWA. A chartered accountant with an MBA from the University of Auckland, he is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a member of the Institute of Directors.
Catherine Brown has spent more than 20 years in marketing across financial services, health and pharmaceutical sectors in New Zealand and internationally. Her recent roles at Southern Cross included Acting Head of Marketing and Brand Experience, where she oversaw marketing and loyalty strategies for around one million customers. Earlier in her career she held senior marketing positions at BNZ and ANZ, and worked across global brands in banking, telecommunications and healthcare from bases in New Zealand and London.
Skeggs has more than two decades of leadership across the maritime, tourism and infrastructure sectors. He recently stood down as chief executive of Nelson Marina Management Limited, having steered the organisation through a period of considerable change, including a $120 million masterplan and transition to a council-controlled organisation. He has since been elected as a Nelson City councillor. Skeggs also serves as vice president of the New Zealand Marina Industries Association and spent 14 years in Fiji as managing director of Port Denarau Marina.
Knowles acknowledged the contribution of the departing directors. Brown served nine years on the board, Butcher five, and Hansen three.
“I sincerely thank Murray, John and Jenna for their service to Yachting New Zealand,” Knowles said. “These are voluntary roles, and I acknowledge our directors, past and present, for their dedication and commitment of time and energy to the sport of sailing.”
Chief executive Steve Armitage said the appointments come as Yachting New Zealand works through several key initiatives, with a review of the membership model and affiliation fee structure already underway.
“The board’s skills and experience will provide valuable strategic support and guidance as we continue this work and seek to better deliver for our members,” Armitage said.
