Former Port of Tauranga Director Sir Robert McLeod KNZM is re-joining the Board of Directors following the retirement of Alastair Lawrence.

The Port of Tauranga made the announcement this week.

Sir Rob was formerly a member of the Board in his capacity as Chair of Quayside Holdings, the investment arm of Bay of Plenty Regional Council and majority shareholder of the Port.

He retired in October 2023.

Returning as an independent director, Sir Rob will replace retiring Director and Audit Committee Chair, Alastair Lawrence. Alastair retires on August 31 after ten years’ service, two of them as Chair of the Audit Committee.

Port of Tauranga Limited Chair, Julia Hoare, says she is delighted to welcome Sir Rob’s return effective July 1, 2024. He will take over as Chair of the Audit Committee upon Alastair’s retirement.

“Sir Rob brings deep governance experience, outstanding financial skills and extensive iwi connections. We are very fortunate to have a Director of his calibre,” says Julia.

Sir Rob was Oceania CEO/Managing Partner of Ernst & Young and then New Zealand Chair until 2015. He is currently Chair of Nati Growth Limited (formerly Ngāti Porou Holding Company) and Sanford Limited.

He is also a Director of China Construction Bank (New Zealand) Limited and a number of privately-owned entities.

Julia thanked Alastair for his outstanding contribution during his ten-year tenure.

“Alastair is an astute Director and committee Chair with a wealth of commercial knowledge and experience. We’re extremely grateful for his significant contribution and his long service to the Port.”