6 June 2006
Appointment of Chief Executive to Priority One
Priority One is the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region’s economic development organisation. It was established in 2001 by
business community leaders in partnership with the two local authorities and the regional council. Priority One is the
first economic development organisation in New Zealand to be initiated by the business community and run along business
principles of action and results.
Priority One is pleased to announce the recent appointment of David Marriott to the position of Chief Executive. David
brings significant experience and knowledge to this key role from his diverse background in both the private and public
sectors. He also has strengths in the areas of strategy development, governance and business development and
performance.
David has an engineering background, moving into contracting, management and governance roles. He has previously worked
with large corporates in strategic development positions, as well as having experience in small business and developing
an understanding of the pressures this sector faces.
Most recently, David was involved in driving the growth of Transfield Services in New Zealand. Transfield now has some
4,000 employees across the country providing maintenance and operational services to industry, roading, oil and gas
infrastructure, local authorities, telecommunications and power companies. Prior to this he spent four years as a direct
advisor to the Ministers of State Owned Enterprises and Finance on the performance, direction and risks of the
government SOE portfolio.
“Priority One is working on initiatives aimed at attracting inward investment, business relocations and skilled people
to the region, as well as ensuring infrastructure is in place to manage the projected growth” says Priority One Chairman
Murray Davies. “The Board at Priority One is pleased to welcome David to the team. He brings a valuable skill set to the
region, including a strong strategic approach and commercial experience in establishing and running a range of
businesses in diverse sectors. His background in environments spanning commercial and social benefit activities coupled
with a good understanding of both private sector and central government operations will be fundamental to delivering on
Priority One goals.”
A rigorous national advertising and recruitment campaign was undertaken on behalf of Priority One by Brett Looker,
Recruitment Director of Human Resource Group Ltd, a specialist Tauranga recruitment and consulting company. Interest in
the position was strong and came from far afield, with almost 70 applications received from New Zealand, the USA,
Australia and South Africa.
“This has been an immensely challenging but rewarding recruitment opportunity.” says Brett Looker.
“The challenge has centred on matching the high selection criteria of Priority One with the business skill sets,
leadership attributes and capability building abilities of the successful candidate. I am extremely satisfied with the
outcome of this recruitment campaign and wish David and the Priority One Team every success in the future.”
David will be relocating from Auckland and has long held a desire to settle in the Bay of Plenty. He believes the role
will provide both a personal challenge and an opportunity to share in the successes of Priority One. David will commence
employment with Priority One at the end of June.
ENDS