David Smol announced as new GNS Science Board Chair
GNS Science is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Board Chair, David Smol.
David brings a wealth of experience to the GNS Science Board
He has spent the past 35 years working with businesses and governments to deliver both commercial and social projects, including housing, urban and economic development, tourism, science system management, natural hazards and resilience, and resource management reform.
David was part of the Contact Energy establishment team in 1995-1996 and a member of the team that developed the rules for the New Zealand electricity market. In 2008, David was appointed Chief Executive of the Ministry of Economic Development. From 2012 to 2017, he was the inaugural Chief Executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, where he was responsible for the stewardship of multiple regulatory systems. David was also made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order in 2018.
David’s deep experience in governance and leadership will be a welcome addition to the GNS Science Board. I look forward to working closely with him and the wider Board and GNS Science leadership team to ensure that we continue to deliver positive impact through our research and innovation for a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous Aotearoa
David succeeds Dr Nicola Crauford who steps away from the GNS Science Board after almost eight years as Chair.
Nicola has made an invaluable contribution to GNS Science during her time with us, and we are better placed thanks to her efforts to deliver excellent and impactful science for the good of Aotearoa and the world.
About David:
Experience: David was part of the Contact Energy establishment team in 1995-1996 and a member of the team that developed the rules for the New Zealand electricity market. In 2008, David was appointed Chief Executive of the Ministry of Economic Development. From 2012 to 2017, he was the inaugural Chief Executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, where he was responsible for the stewardship of multiple regulatory systems.
Projects: housing and urban development, regional economic development, tourism, science system, natural hazards and resilience, gas transmission, civil defence, overseas investment, export controls, response to COVID19, resource management reform, climate change and Predator Free 2050.
Governance: David is also a director of Contact Energy, Waka Kotahi, and the Cooperative Bank, and he is the Chair of Wellington UniVentures, which is the commercialisation subsidiary of Victoria University of Wellington.
Acknowledgments: David was made a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order in 2018