Gillian Wratt to step down as Chief Executive of Cawthron Institute

Ms Gillian Wratt, Cawthron's Chief Executive for the last five and a half years, has announced her resignation. She is to leave Cawthron at the end of March 2012.

Ms Wratt said she came to Cawthron on a five year contract and although she had been offered a longer extension, she had decided to extend for only one year.

"I have mixed feelings about moving on – Cawthron is a very special organisation that sits at the critical intersection of science, business, community and the environment. It makes an important contribution to the region and to New Zealand, and has a wonderful group of highly skilled staff. I have been privileged to be Chief Executive for what will be 6 years, and I will be sad to leave. The Institute is in good shape and now is a good time to move on. I have other interests I want to pursue, and I would like to do some of these sooner rather than later" she said. "One project I have been asked to take on, is to write a book on the organisations across the world that manage science and operations in Antarctica - a different challenge from leading a research institute."

Ian Kearney, the Chair of the Cawthron Board of Directors, said Ms Wratt had made a lasting impact on Cawthron. "Gill has provided clear leadership and vision that has established a forward path for Cawthron. This is reflected in achievements like the new buildings at the Glen, growth in staff from around 150 to 200, and significant recognition for Cawthron's science both nationally and internationally. She has provided science leadership and will be a hard act for someone to follow" he said.

Mr Kearney said the Board would be starting the process of finding a new Chief Executive over the next few days.

Ms Wratt joined Cawthron as Chief Executive in March 2006. Previous positions included Chief Executive of Antarctica New Zealand, Chair of the International Antarctic Managers Council and Convenor of the Establishment Board for the Crop and Food Research Institute. She has recently been appointed to the Board of the Environmental Protection Agency and was a member of the Ministerial committee advising on implementation of the recent restructuring of government funding of Crown Research Institutes. She is also on the Board of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce.

For more information:

Gillian Wratt
Chief Executive
Cawthron Institute
Phone: +64 3 548 2319
DDI: 03 5393270
Email:

Ian Kearney
Chair Board of Directors
Cawthron Institute
Phone: 021 998713