The Bay of Plenty's largest tertiary provider, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, has announced the appointment of its new senior leadership team.

Toi Ohomai Chief Executive Dr Leon Fourie says each member of the team has been chosen for their passion, their rich experience and their strong people focus, along with their specialised skillset.

'Individually, they are exceptional business people and leaders; collectively they will lead the charge to inspire Toi Ohomai to innovate and grow in meeting the expectations and goals of our region,” he says Leon.

Toi Ohomai Council chairperson Cathy Cooney is pleased with the calibre of the new appointments.

'With the depth and breadth of skills and knowledge of the new Senior Leadership Team I am highly confident Toi Ohomai is in the best position possible and I'm excited for what the future has in store for us all.”

The new team will take up the positions over a three month period with the full team being in place by the end of June. A fifth executive director position is currently being explored and is likely to be in place by the end of July.

The Senior Leadership Team

Executive Dean: Teaching Learning & Research

Dr Amanda Torr (PhD, MPharm) is an experienced executive-level leader with a broad and deep understanding of the tertiary education sector, both in New Zealand and Australia. Her career has spanned roles as diverse as Academic Director at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Director Higher Education at Polytechnic West (Australia), Management Adviser to the Ministry of Health (Royal Government of Cambodia/WHO) and CEO Secretariat for the Tertiary Education Advisory Commission. She is a skilled leader in the development and implementation of strategic institutional plans and developments.

Executive Director: Corporate Services

Anthony Robertson (MBA, ACA) is an experienced executive manager and leader with a career spanning senior appointments in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Anthony is a chartered accountant with recent roles including Director Corporate Services at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Chief Financial Officer at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, and Vice Principal Corporate Services at Gower College Swansea (UK). He has a passion for sustainability and a reputation as someone who likes to push the boundaries of conservative business intelligence norms.

Executive Director: People Engagement & Capability

Keri-Anne Tane (BBS) (Ngati Rangiteaorere and Te Rarawa) has had a solid career in human resources, most recently as the General Manager People, Culture & Safety at Scion (NZ Forestry Research Institute). She has extensive commercial experience working with the likes of Unilever Australia, Boise Office Solutions (now OfficeMax) and Fletcher Challenge Steel & Wire. Throughout her career she has forged a path as a strongly people-orientated, values based leader.

Executive Director: Student Engagement & Experience

Patrick Brus (BSc) has more than 20 years of senior management experience with an in-depth understanding of how to develop clear business strategy and build successful teams. His previous appointments span a multitude of industries including Comvita, WINTEC and Fonterra. He has spent many years at the ‘top table' in various companies and is excited to be returning to the education sector, an area he is particularly passionate about.