The Waikato Regional Council has appointed a new chief executive.
Chris McLay. Photo: Waikato Regional Council
He is Chris McLay, the council's current group manager of resource use.
He has worked for almost 20-years at the regional council.
McLay takes over from outgoing chief executive Vaughan Payne who has recently been appointed head of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, the body overseeing all polytechnics in this country.
Council chair Russ Rimmington said there was a field of extremely strong contenders for the role.
"But Chris stood out because he has made a very real contribution to making this the successful organisation it is today, and we know he has the ability to step out of his specialty area to become the CE we need at this important time.
"We are excited to promote Chris to the role of chief executive, because he brings a strong understanding of the organisation and the region, and the skills to keep the momentum built over recent years'," he said.
Rimmington said he has a clear grasp of the challenges facing the organisation.
McLay said he welcomes the opportunity to grow his career in an organisation he believes in.
"I'm proud to work in an organisation that puts working together at the heart of how we do things. With such a great purpose there's a real opportunity to build a region that's prepared and well positioned to respond to new challenges and create sustainable and resilient communities.''
"We have a talented team at the council delivering their very best for the mighty Waikato, and I look forward to leading and motivating them, keeping them engaged while delivering on the council's 10-year strategy," McLay said.