Napier Port appoints new chief financial officer

Napier Port has appointed Kristen Lie as its new chief financial officer.

Kristen, originally from Hawke’s Bay, has joined Napier Port after some 18 years abroad and brings more than 21 years’ financial experience along with strong commercial and strategic planning skills.

A chartered accountant by profession, Kristen was most recently head of strategic planning for the London-based office of listed shopping centre group Westfield (NZ$12 billion funds under management). Prior to this, he was group financial controller for another London-based property investment company, Grosvenor.

Napier Port Chief Executive Garth Cowie says, “I am pleased to welcome Kristen to the Port after an extensive and competitive international search.

“I am confident his financial leadership, commercial experience and strategic planning skills will be a great asset as we continue to grow our position as Central New Zealand’s leading port,” says Garth.

“It’s a privilege to return to Hawke’s Bay to a position that provides this level of opportunity to help increase Napier Port’s already significant contribution to the regional economy,” says Kristen.

Kristen will be a key member of the executive team responsible for leading the corporate, financial and technology teams and will be responsible for advising the board and chief executive on shareholder risk and value creation.

Kristen’s appointment follows the appointment of Gareth Jones to the executive team as container terminal manager in the second quarter of this year. Gareth’s role is responsible for leading all container operations, both day-to-day delivery and progressive development.

Gareth was previously the senior manager of container terminal operations for Peel Ports Group in Liverpool.

Napier Port welcomes Kristen, Gareth and their families to Hawke’s Bay.