Landcare Research Chief Executive to move to Scion

09 December 2010

The current head of the Christchurch-based CRI, Landcare Research Ltd, Dr Warren Parker has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Forest Research Ltd, trading as Scion.

Dr Parker will take up his new role from 6 March 2011. His appointment was announced today in a joint statement by Scion Chair Tony Nowell and Landcare Research Chair Jo Brosnahan.

Mrs Brosnahan said Landcare Research had made great strides under Dr Parker’s leadership and the organisation was now very well positioned for the future.  It has high quality customer and stakeholder relationships in place, consistent financial performance and, through its recently released statement of core purpose, a clear responsibility to provide national science leadership at the critical nexus between the economy and environment.

Mr Nowell welcomed Dr Parker’s appointment saying, “The changes prompted by the CRI Taskforce recommendations provide an outstanding opportunity for Scion to work more closely with all participants along the forest industry supply chain to invigorate innovation through increased collaboration and joint investment.

“Dr Parker will bring a strong track record in scientific leadership and substantial experience in building productive science-industry relationships to Scion, which as an internationally respected leader in forestry, wood products and biomaterials research, is uniquely placed to contribute to increasing the economic, environmental and social value of forestry to New Zealand”.

Prior to his role as CEO of Landcare Research, Dr Parker’s roles included visiting research manager of IMBcom Pty Ltd in Queensland and Chief Operating Officer at AgResearch Science. From 1980 to 1998 he pursued an academic career, including Massey University Professorships covering farm management and agricultural systems, horticultural systems, agribusiness and resource management.

Dr Parker gained a BAgrSc (Hons I) in 1978 and a MAgrSc (Hons I) in 1984, both from Massey University, and a PhD in Animal Science in 1990. He has been the recipient of a number of academic awards and has served on science panels and advisory boards in both New Zealand and Australia.

Dr Parker, married with three adult children, will relocate from Christchurch to Rotorua.