Vector Limited today announced a new management appointment and two executive departures.

Group General Counsel, Steve Bielby, and the Chief Information Officer, Hanno Schupp, will both be leaving Vector.

Acting Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie said as part of the on-going operational and cost efficiency focus, both roles have been reviewed against the changing needs of the business. Both Mr Bielby and Mr Schupp, along with the wider executive team, have been involved in shaping the role requirements to meet Vector’s future needs.

The company requires the key functions of Group General Counsel to be performed out of Auckland rather than Wellington where Mr Bielby has been based. Mr Bielby for personal reasons, has decided not to move to Auckland. Kerry Nickels, a lawyer with experience in a variety of senior corporate and company secretary related roles within Vector, will assume legal services and corporate governance management responsibilities.

Mr Mackenzie said Mr Schupp was appointed to develop high level IT strategy to position Vector for the future. The company is now entering the implementation phase. This has a different IT management structure requirement which is being put in place to meet the company’s objectives. Andries van der Westhuizen will take over the leadership of the information technology team and implementation programme.

“Both these changes arise from the ongoing strategic management programme detailed in our reports to shareholders and the investor market during the course of this year. We are making organisational changes which are all about operating the business more effectively,” said Mr Mackenzie.

Mr Mackenzie acknowledged the contribution both Mr Bielby and Mr Schupp have made to the organisation and wishes them well in the next phase of their careers.

The new appointment is that of policy specialist Peter Wilson, in the role of Group Manager – Climate Change, who will have the responsibility for managing the group’s strategy, policy and specific initiatives related to energy emissions.

Referring to this appointment, Simon Mackenzie said the company had taken a proactive stance on the question of energy emissions and the creation of the role being filled by Mr Wilson underlined its commitment in this area.

“Peter Wilson is currently a member of the joint Treasury-Ministry for the Environment taskforce taking a lead role in developing a greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme, so he comes to us with the most up-to-date knowledge of the issues facing the Government and business in curbing emissions,” said Mr Mackenzie.

“In addition, he has a wealth of experience in policy development through his 17 years’ experience with Treasury in New Zealand and, before that, the Australian Federal Treasury.”

“Peter Wilson’s role will not only involve managing specific initiatives, but will create an interface with Government on emission issues and policy as they relate to our business,” he said. “As New Zealand’s leading energy infrastructure group it is important that Vector participates both in action and dialogue in this field.”