Time for new blood says employers' chief marshal

BY Dita De Boni

The Employers' Federation chief executive for the past 10 years, Steve Marshall, is resigning to pursue international and national consultancy work.

English-born Mr Marshall, aged 50, has been with the federation for 22 years in various positions.

Before joining in 1977 he worked as a police officer, then as personnel manager for Feltex New Zealand.

Mr Marshall said that although he had mixed feelings about leaving, the job required "new blood, new ideas and ongoing dynamism."

He hoped to continue his consultancy work for the World Bank and the International Labour Organisation as well as picking up a "couple more directorships" to add to his memberships on the boards of ACC, Shamrock Superannuation, Business in the Community and business information services company NBIS.

He is also chairs the Maori Authorities Group and the Prince of Wales Trust.

Mr Marshall has headed the federation at a time of unprecedented change after the introduction of the Employment Contracts Act of 1991.

He said the most stressful part of the job had been the run-up to each general election.

"Everything is so emotive - politics takes precedence over common sense and practicalities."

Federation president Simon Holdsworth said Mr Marshall had been a strong champion of the employers' cause.

"One of the prime requirements of the job is the need to sell the employer's 'story' to all sides of the political spectrum," he said.

"It's not an easy role with few victories and many disappointments, but Steve had all the qualities for the job as well as a great sense of humour and the ability to mix with all types of people."

Mr Marshall leaves at the end of the year. Deputy chief executive Anne Knowles is expected to be the leading internal candidate for the job.