CE merry go round

State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes announced:

State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes has today announced five public service chief executive appointments.

The appointments are a result of vacancies that will occur over the next 12 months.

Mr Hughes said he decided to deal with the vacancies as a package to remove uncertainty and maintain momentum in key roles and portfolios.

Under the State Sector Act 1988, a vacancy or impending vacancy for a chief executive role can be filled in one of three ways: reappointment of an incumbent, transfer from one department to another or by advertising the role and seeking applications for appointment to it.

“These appointments will be made by transfer,” said Mr Hughes.

The transfer is a new power. I think this is the first time it has been used. It is very good to see these decisions made before most of the roles fall vacant. This means no need for an Acting CE, and gives good continuity and direction.

The following chief executives have been appointed to new roles:

• Following the end of Helene Quilter’s term, which has been extended through to 30 June 2019, as Secretary of Defence and Chief Executive, Ministry of Defence. Mr Andrew Bridgman, currently Secretary for Justice and Chief Executive, Ministry of Justice, has been appointed Secretary of Defence and Chief Executive, Ministry of Defence, for five years from 1 July 2019.

• Mr Andrew Kibblewhite, who is currently Chief Executive, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, has been appointed Secretary for Justice and Chief Executive, Ministry of Justice for five years from 1 February 2019.

• Mr Brook Barrington, currently Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Chief Executive, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has been appointedChief Executive, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, for five years from 1 February 2019.

• Following the retirement of Mr Martyn Dunne, the current Director-General for Primary Industries and Chief Executive, Ministry for Primary Industries, MrRay Smith, currently Chief Executive, Department of Corrections, has been appointed Director-General for Primary Industries and Chief Executive, Ministry for Primary Industries for five years from 1 November 2018.

• Following the decision of current Secretary for Internal Affairs and Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, Mr Colin MacDonald to step down and pursue new opportunities, Mr Paul James, currently Chief Executive, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, has been appointed Secretary for Internal Affairs and Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs for five years from 1 October 2018.

Kibblewhite to Justice is a very good move. It is a very complex ministry and needs a strong CE. Likewise Barrington is well regarded at MFAT and will be wise counsel at DPMC.