New General Manager announced for Whanganui’s economic development agency

Published on 09 November 2017

9 November 2017

Whanganui District Council has appointed a new General Manager, Philippa Ivory, to lead its economic development arm, Whanganui & Partners.

Currently General Manager of Marketing and Communications for New Zealand Rugby League, Ms Ivory will move to Whanganui after fulfilling her commitments to the Rugby League World Cup being held in New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea. She is expected to take up the General Manager role for Whanganui & Partners in early January 2018.

Whanganui & Partners Chair, Myles Fothergill says, “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Philippa Ivory into this role. Philippa returns to Whanganui following an extensive and successful career in business leadership, marketing, promotions, event-planning and brand management.”

He says, “Her appointment will undoubtedly make a very valuable contribution to the business of growing prosperity and well-being across all aspects of our district's economy.”

Whanganui District Council’s Chief Executive, Kym Fell says, "We are incredibly fortunate to have secured such a high calibre professional to lead our economic development agency.

“We see this very much as a key appointment for Whanganui and we’ve focused on attracting the leadership capability required to accelerate and advance economic growth in our district."

Whanganui & Partners has also recently made appointments to fill strategic lead roles in business and in marketing and destination.

Mr Fothergill says, “The team will soon relocate into the Innovation Quarter, a collaborative shared working space, along with the Whanganui Chamber of Commerce and Te Manu Atatū.”

The Innovation Quarter, located in St Hill Street, will support better collaboration between business, education and government and Mr Fothergill says, “It will provide a physical place and a virtual platform to encourage innovation and will create opportunities for people to share knowledge and become inspired.

“This is an exciting time for Whanganui & Partners and we are looking forward, with Philippa’s leadership, to making a meaningful difference for our district and our stakeholders."