Richard Searle stepping up to chief executive of Gisborne Holding Ltd

Richard Searle will take over as Gisborne Holding Ltd chief executive in mid-December.

Gisborne Holding Ltd’s new chief executive is looking forward to contributing to a brighter future for Tairāwhiti.

Richard Searle doesn’t have to move far when he shifts into his new office.

The Trust Tairāwhiti general manager economic development steps into his new Gisborne Holding Ltd (GHL) role on December 16.

“I am excited about the opportunity to grow the GHL business,” Searle said. “This new position presents an opportunity to deliver value to our ratepayers through sound stewardship of the existing GHL assets, including the Tauwhareparae Farms and growing new investments alongside Gisborne District Council.”

Searle brings a blend of investment skills and commercial experience from across a range of relevant sectors.

He has been with Trust Tairāwhiti since 2018, initially as general manager commercial before shifting to economic development. He has previously worked in ANZ’s commercial division and prior to that spent time in London before returning home to work in family vineyards and property development.

GHL board chairman John Rae said it was looking forward to working with Searle.

“We are very pleased to have him join the GHL leadership team for many reasons,” Rae said. “The challenges that Te Tairāwhiti faces are very specific and require nuanced approaches to economic development as we work through historic challenges, but crucially think about future opportunities.”

The position had attracted “some impressive candidates”, but the desire was to have someone who understood Tairāwhiti’s particular regional challenges and could help the region work through them.

“In this regard, Richard was the standout.”

As the 100% district council-owned investment agent, GHL was totally focused on a “best for region” approach to take the region forward while working through the various challenges.

“From GHL’s perspective, what is best for our region is best for all those that sail within the good waka Tairāwhiti and that is the intent that we will bring to our mahi,” Rae said.

District council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann also welcomed the new appointment.

“We are extremely pleased to have Richard on board,” she said. “He brings a wealth of commercial knowledge and experience to council’s CCTO (Council Controlled Trading Organisation) and we are looking forward to working closely with him to progress aspirations for Te Tairāwhiti.”

Trust Tairāwhiti chief executive Doug Jones said the GHL appointment spoke to the quality of Searle’s competence, experience and commitment to the region.

“This role is significant and well regarded as the commercial entity for GDC, and much like Trust Tairāwhiti, in how it supports the region’s opportunities, issues and aspirations,” Jones said.

The chief executive role has been temporarily covered by Rae since January 2022 when Tracey Johnstone departed.