Media Statement
17 October 2003
Foundation CEO Retiring
The Chief Executive of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, Gowan Pickering will retire in March 2004
and the organisation is now advertising for a new CEO. Gowan joined the Foundation in December 1999 as Acting Technology
New Zealand Manager and has been the Chief Executive since July 2000
The Chairman of the Foundation, Neil Richardson says during his tenure, Gowan Pickering has undertaken, facilitated and
participated in significant change both internally and externally. He says with Gowan's leadership, the Foundation has
made a significant contribution to the development of New Zealand's innovation system in the past few years. And he says
Foundation staff has much to be proud of in their achievements over this period.
Neil Richardson says the Board has commenced a process to replace Gowan. "We are seeking a person who will continue to
build on the platform that he and the Foundation staff have built over the past four years. The Board will ensure a
seamless transition to maintain the direction and momentum of the Foundation strategies and programmes" says Neil
Richardson.
Gowan Pickering will remain at the Foundation until a successor has been appointed and a satisfactory induction and/or
handover has been completed.
ENDS