MBIE CEO Carolyn Tremain joins the Aotearoa Circle Board.

Carolyn Tremain, CE of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Hīkina Whakatutuki has been appointed to The Aotearoa Circle board joining Vicky Robertson and Sir Christopher Mace (co-chairs), Fraser Whineray, Stephen England-Hall and Jane Taylor.

MBIE is the agency responsible for economic development, particularly focussing on business, innovation, research and technology, infrastructure, energy, and a transition to a low emissions future. It was a founding member of The Aotearoa Circle and Carolyn was part of the initial work in setting up the kaupapa of the Circle.

“The Aotearoa Circle’s unique coalition of public and private sector leaders is making the case for the protection and restoration of New Zealand’s natural environment,” says Carolyn.  “The natural environment is integral to our economic activity and the future success of New Zealand’s business and our licence to operate both at home and in our export markets relies on us sustainably deriving value from it.  I’m delighted to be appointed to the board and support The Circle.

The Aotearoa Circle co-chair Vicky Robertson said she was delighted to have a person of Carolyn’s standing and experience in both the public and private sectors join The Aotearoa Circle’s board.  “Carolyn and the Ministry have been a partner in the Circle from its inception, so it’s great to have Carolyn join the Board.”

Carolyn has over 20 years' experience leading large, complex service delivery organisations, and substantial change management programmes. She has headed MBIE since July 2017 and was previously Chief Executive and Comptroller of the Customs Service and earlier a Deputy Commissioner at Inland Revenue and Head of Human Resources and Organisational Change for Air New Zealand.

As well as her Chief Executive responsibilities, Carolyn is Chair of the Public Sector Auckland Career Board, and a member of the Victoria University of Wellington Business School Advisory Board.