Search for boss goes worldwide

John Alexander. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A shake-up of the old guard that has run Eden Park for more than 50 years is about to end with the search for a new chief executive.

Last month, the Government took control of the Eden Park Trust Board, which announced yesterday that it was beginning an international hunt for a new boss.

The announcement is the equivalent of a red card for trust board chief executive John Alexander, who has run the park for 10 years.

Board chairman John Waller said the new governance structure was the opportunity for a new CEO to take responsibility for the iconic New Zealand asset.

Mr Alexander's contract is due to end in the new year and "it is time for the park to address the challenges involved in completing the redevelopment and preparing to host the Rugby World Cup in 2011", Mr Waller said.

Mr Alexander could not be reached for comment.

When the Government agreed to contribute up to $190 million to the Eden Park redevelopment in 2007, it was conditional on a new governance structure to reflect public ownership.

Before the Eden Park Trust Board Amendment Act was passed this year, the park was owned and operated by a group of trustees that included representatives from the Auckland Rugby Union and the Auckland Cricket Association.

The new trust board includes five Government appointees, two from the old trust board and one each from the Auckland Rugby Union and Auckland Cricket Association.

The new structure also takes into account the amalgamation of the trust board and the Eden Park Redevelopment Board, set up and chaired by Mr Waller to oversee the $250 million redevelopment for the Rugby World Cup.

The chief executive of the redevelopment board, Adam Feeley, has left to head the Serious Fraud Office.

Mr Waller said the construction of a new east stand and other facilities was on track for completion next October.

The new board also has the challenge of turning around a slump in attendances at the enlarged ground, not helped by poor performances from the Blues and Auckland rugby sides.

WHO'S IN CHARGE

John Waller, chair - Government appointee
Hugh Burrett - Government appointee
Michelle Boag - Government appointee
Morris Pita - Government appointee
Derek Dallow - Government appointee
Greg Muir - Auckland Rugby Union appointee
Rex Smith - Auckland Cricket Assn appointee
Warwick Nicoll - former trust board member
Rob Fisher - former trust board member
Chief executive - ?