Digital Strategy Advisory Group Appointments
NZ Government, Wellington
Hon David Cunliffe, News Release, 27/01/2006
Minister for Information Technology, David Cunliffe, today announced the final appointments to the Digital Strategy Advisory Group.
International advisers
"I am delighted to announce three honorary international advisors have been appointed to the Group and will bring global perspectives to the Digital Strategy," Mr Cunliffe said.
The three international advisers are:
- Chris Liddell, ex-pat Kiwi, Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft, USA and former Chief Executive of Carter Holt Harvey.
- Dr Sachio Semmoto, Chief Executive, eAccess a private telecommunications company in Japan. He divides his time between Japan and New Zealand.
- Richard Excell, Senior Industrialist Adviser to the UK's Department of Trade and Industry Innovation Unit and member of NZTE’s UK Beach Head Advisory Board.
"These advisors are highly-respected business leaders and experts in their fields. With their New Zealand connections, they are well-placed to advise on international developments in the New Zealand context,” Mr Cunliffe said.
Chair and Vice Chair
Mr Cunliffe also announced the appointment of Katrina Troughton, Chief Executive of IBM as the Chair of the Advisory Group and Graeme Osborne, Chairman of the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand, as the Vice Chair.
"Both Katrina and Graeme will provide strong leadership to a diverse group that shares a great enthusiasm for New Zealand’s digital future,” Mr Cunliffe said.
Community and voluntary sector
The appointment of Sarah Thomson, Chief Executive, Diabetes New Zealand, completes the initial set up of the Advisory Group. Ms Thomson has extensive experience in the community and voluntary sector.
Background
The Digital Strategy Advisory Group was set up in July last year to provide the government with advice on the strategic direction and focus of the Digital Strategy and to encourage engagement with non-government stakeholders.