We're delighted to announce the appointment of David Downs as CEO of New Zealand Story.
After seven years of building New Zealand Story from an idea to a reality, Rebecca Smith has passed the baton to David Downs.
David has held a portfolio of interests across international trade, technology, economic development and charitable causes. He has held a number of General Management roles in New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, most recently working with the technology sector to help fast growing tech companies grow internationally and New Zealand companies adopt digital commerce channels to market. He has also held leadership roles at NZTE in products and services, customer and corporate services. Prior to this David had an extensive career in leadership roles with Microsoft in New Zealand and Asia Pacific.
David is a passionate New Zealander and storyteller by nature. He has successfully started businesses, been a comedian, TV and Radio actor, a talented author and semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year.
Congratulations, David! We're looking forward to the next exciting stage of developing New Zealand's reputation on the world stage.
David will begin his role as CEO on 2 August, based in Auckland.