Our Board of Directors
Te Poari Tumuaki
Their responsibilities include acting on behalf of, and being accountable to, the Shareholding Ministers (the Minister of Finance(external link) and the Minister of Research, Science and Innovation(external link)), fulfilling regulatory expectations under the Companies Act 1993, the Crown Research Institutes Act 1992, and the Public Finance Act 1989 and helping establish strategic policy.
Professor Cristin Print - Acting Chair
Cris is a medically qualified biomedical scientist who joined the ESR Board in August 2017. He has a 25-year career in academic medical research and biotechnology, including work in Australia, the United Kingdom and Japan.
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Justine Gilliland
Justine was appointed to the ESR Board in February 2022. Justine is an independent director and strategy consultant. the Former Chief Executive of Venture Taranaki, Justine currently serves on a number of boards including Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research.
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Dr Matt Glenn
Matt was appointed to the ESR Board in February 2022. Matt is also Chief Executive Officer for the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre, a joint venture between Zespri and Plant & Food Research.
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Dr Melissa McLeod
Ko Aoraki to maunga, Ko Waitaki te awa, Ko Ngai Tahu te iwi, Ko Melissa McLeod ahau. Melissa is a Public Health Physician and epidemiologist at the University of Otago in Wellington.
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Dr Andy Shenk
Andy was appointed to the ESR Board in August 2017. Andy graduated with a doctorate in biological sciences from the University of Delaware. He has had a 30-year career spanning research, governance, and senior management in a major corporate.
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Kate Thomson
Kate was appointed to the ESR Board in July 2018, and is also Director Finance, Risk and Digital Solutions at Upper Hutt City Council. Kate was based in Australia working in the engineering and research sectors as a senior executive.
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