For immediate release
16 September 2016

Scion CEO Dr Warren Parker is to retire once his replacement is in place at the Rotorua headquartered Crown Research Institute. A search for his replacement is underway.

Dr Parker joined Scion in March 2011 and after almost six years at the helm and more than 20 years in senior executive roles wants to now focus on directorships, grandchildren and checking off his ‘bucket list’.

“It has been a privilege to lead Scion through a positive period of change including implementing the CRI Taskforce reforms and strengthening industry, iwi and international relationships.

“The challenges posed by climate change and the imperative to manage land within tighter environmental limits, means a vibrant forest industry is even more vital to New Zealand’s economic and environmental future than in the past. It is especially important for the prosperity of regional economies and in helping iwi meet their development aspirations.

“The science at Scion uniquely applies across the value chain, is internationally competitive and underpins an increasingly strong technology commercialisation pipeline that will support the growth of New Zealand’s bioeconomy. It is an appropriate time for me to hand over to a new leader to take Scion through its next phase of growth and impact,” said Dr Parker.

Scion Chair Tony Nowell acknowledged the excellent progress under Dr Parker’s leadership.

“The institute is in very good heart, is about to embark on the second phase of major facilities modernisation at its Rotorua Campus and has a very able executive team in place to keep up the momentum of current initiatives.

“It is an exciting time for a new CEO to build on the very good platform Scion now has in place with industry, iwi, government agencies and research collaborators.

“Dr Parker will work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition to his successor. The new appointee is expected to be in place early in the New Year,” said Mr Nowell.

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