Banker trades jobs

By BRIAN FALLOW

WELLINGTON - Bevan Graham, WestpacTrust's chief economist for the past seven years, has been appointed chief adviser to the Leader of the Opposition, Jenny Shipley.

Mr Graham, who confesses to a longstanding interest in politics, said that after nearly 12 years in the financial markets he was looking forward to a role with a wider focus.

Mrs Shipley said Mr Graham's appointment signalled to the marketplace that the party had geared up to take on the challenges of this three-year term.

Mr Graham, who takes up the job late next month, replaces former Manufacturers' Federation chief ex- ecutive Simon Arnold, who joined Mrs Shipley's staff two years ago.

Mr Arnold believes that Crown Research Institutes have intellectual property that could be turned to profit with the right marketing and business links.