Community Scoop » Richard Westlake Named Scion Board Chairman

Press Release – Scion Research

Richard said he looked forward to working with the Scions board and leadership team to provide advice during this challenging period for the New Zealand science sector.

Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins KC has appointed Richard Westlake as chairman of the Scion board, a role he will assume on 1 July 2024.

He replaces Dr. Helen Anderson, whose two terms on the Scion board ended in June.

Richard will join the current board members at their first official meeting in Rotorua on 25 July.

He brings to Scion more than three decades of leadership and management experience across a variety of sectors. He was He served as chairman of the supervisory board of two state-owned enterprises: MetService and Quotable Value, and for six years he was deputy chairman of the supervisory board at GNS Science. His most important government appointments included serving as Chairman of Better Border Security and Standards New Zealand.

His contribution to the private and voluntary sectors is also impressive – he has chaired New Zealand Home Loans since 2019 and Hospice New Zealand since 2022. Other roles include Careerforce Industry Training Organisation, Dairy Goat Co-operative, Dairy NZ’s predecessor Dexcel Trust, Canterbury Opera and Kiwibank, where he was one of the founding directors.

Richard said he looks forward to working with the Scion board and management team to provide advice during this challenging period for the science sector in New Zealand.

“With the ongoing review of the scientific system, I am aware of the sense of uncertainty experienced by people working on the front line of the mine.

“At the same time, Scion will continue to engage in forestry research and capitalize on the enormous opportunities that are emerging, particularly in industrial biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.

“Working together, we expect our outstanding team of scientists and their supporters to continue Scion’s mission of driving impactful research and development to deliver significant benefits to New Zealand in a range of areas.”

Scion Chief Executive Officer Dr. Julian Elder expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment of the new Chairman.

“We look forward to welcoming Richard to Scion and in particular to Te Whare Nui o Tuteata, our headquarters in Rotorua.

“His wealth of experience and distinguished track record in management and change leadership will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the complexities and opportunities in our sector. Richard’s deep understanding of both the public and private sectors will bring a fresh perspective to our Board and help us deliver on our strategic objectives.”

In addition to his Board roles, Richard has a wealth of professional experience including serving as CEO and South Island CEO of Trust Bank Canterbury/Westpac Trust from 1995 to 1999, and various banking and merchant banking positions in New Zealand and Australia from 1976 to 1995. Early in his career, Richard was a jet pilot in the Royal Air Force in the UK from 1973 to 1976, demonstrating his broad and solid leadership experience. His fascination with aviation continues to this day as he is President of the Kāpiti District Aero Club.

He is the owner of a management consultancy firm which he founded over 20 years ago and has worked extensively with the Institute of Directors for much of that time.

Richard will chair a Board of Directors consisting of current Scion Directors: Stana Pezic, Brendon Green (Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāpuhi), Nicole Anderson (Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Te Aupōuri), Phil Taylor and Kiriwaitingi Rei-Russell (Te Arawa – Ngati Whakaue, Tūhourangi Ngati Wāhiao and Ngati Awa – Te Pahipoto) and incoming Director Zara Morrison (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tūwharetoa).

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