3 September 2006
Consumer Advocate moves on
New Zealand’s leading consumer advocate, Consumer chief executive David Russell, is to move on in March next year to new
challenges. This is after more than 30 years fighting for the rights of Kiwi consumers.
The announcement comes in a year that has seen considerable change for the privately-run institute. Earlier in the year
the organisation rebranded itself as “Consumer” and launched revamped versions of Consumer magazine and its website
www.consumer.org.nz.
Chairman Mark Bedford described Mr Russell as a “living legend”.
“Consumer enjoys a brand reputation second to none, and a large part of that is David’s remarkable integrity and
commitment to New Zealand consumers,” said Mr Bedford.
“For 30 years David has fought the fight of the good against shonky salespeople, bureaucratic government agencies and
slippery corporates. But at the same time he’s guided Consumer through some tumultuous changes with an eye to the
future.”
Today Consumer provides independent advice across a wide variety of industries such as electricity pricing, banking,
insurance and building as well as the more traditional product comparisons. Examples include “Powerswitch” a service for
selecting the best electricity company and “Consumer Build” which provides quality independent advice for Kiwis building
houses.
The Consumer board has commenced an international search to find a new chief executive.
Among other interests, Mr Russell will be joining internet book trader, New Zealand Books Abroad, as its development
manager.
ENDS