Exceptional leadership team for new tertiary provider
The Bay of Plenty’s largest tertiary provider, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, announced the appointment of its new
senior leadership team earlier today.
Dr Leon Fourie, Toi Ohomai Chief Executive, said each member of the team had been chosen for their passion, their rich
experience and their strong people focus, along with their specialised skillset.
“Individually, they are exceptional business people and leaders; collectively they will lead the charge to inspire Toi
Ohomai to innovate and grow in meeting the expectations and goals of our region,” said Dr Fourie.
Dr Amanda Torr, Executive Dean: Teaching, Learning & Research, brings a wealth of in-depth knowledge to the position. She has worked in the sector for over 25 years,
leading and managing staff through significant changes.
Anthony Robertson, Executive Director: Corporate Services, has spent the last 17 years working in the financial area of
education. He is an innovative leader, a pragmatist and has a strong grasp of what it takes to ensure Toi Ohomai remains
financially sustainable.
Keri-Anne Tane, Executive Director: People Engagement & Capability, is a human resources professional with a solid background in capability development. A Rotorua local, Ms
Tane is a passionate communicator and an advocate for the raising of aspirations through education.
Patrick Brus, Executive Director: People Engagement & Experience, has extensive experience in operational and service management roles and has had previous involvement in
major change and restructure in public and private sectors.
Cathy Cooney, Toi Ohomai Council chairperson, is pleased with the calibre of the new appointments.
“With the depth and breadth of skills and knowledge of the new Senior Leadership Team I am highly confident that Toi
Ohomai is in the best position possible and I’m excited for what the future has in store for us all,” said Ms Cooney.
The new team will take up the positions over a three month period with the full team being in place by the end of June.
A fifth executive director position is currently being explored and is likely to be in place by the end of July.
Biographies:
Executive Dean: Teaching Learning & Research
Dr Amanda Torr (PhD, MPharm) is an experienced executive-level leader with a broad and deep understanding of the
tertiary education sector, both in New Zealand and Australia. Her career has spanned roles as diverse as Academic
Director at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Director Higher Education at Polytechnic West (Australia), Management Adviser to
the Ministry of Health (Royal Government of Cambodia/WHO) and CEO Secretariat for the Tertiary Education Advisory
Commission. She is a skilled leader in the development and implementation of strategic institutional plans and
developments.
Executive Director: Corporate Services
Anthony Robertson (MBA, ACA) is an experienced executive manager and leader with a career spanning senior appointments
in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Anthony is a chartered accountant with recent roles including Director
Corporate Services at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Chief Financial Officer at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, and Vice
Principal Corporate Services at Gower College Swansea (UK). He has a passion for sustainability and a reputation as
someone who likes to push the boundaries of conservative business intelligence norms.
Executive Director: People Engagement & Capability
Keri-Anne Tane (BBS) (Ngāti Rangiteaorere and Te Rarawa) has had a solid career in human resources, most recently as the
General Manager People, Culture & Safety at Scion (NZ Forestry Research Institute). She has extensive commercial experience working with the likes of
Unilever Australia, Boise Office Solutions (now OfficeMax) and Fletcher Challenge Steel & Wire. Throughout her career she has forged a path as a strongly people-orientated, values based leader.
Executive Director: Student Engagement & Experience
Patrick Brus (BSc) has more than 20 years of senior management experience with an in-depth understanding of how to
develop clear business strategy and build successful teams. His previous appointments span a multitude of industries
including Comvita, WINTEC and Fonterra. He has spent many years at the ‘top table’ in various companies and is excited
to be returning to the education sector, an area he is particularly passionate about.
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