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WaikatoLink appoints new Chairman and Director

22 February 2011

Tenby Powell

WaikatoLink Chairman: Lt Col Tenby Powell.

WaikatoLink, the commercial arm of the University of Waikato, today announced two new board appointments. Auckland business leader and long-serving army officer, Lt Col Tenby Powell has been appointed as Chairman, and Hamilton-based lawyer James McGillivray, has been appointed as a director.

In announcing the new board members Professor Roy Crawford, Vice-Chancellor, University of Waikato said, “We’re delighted to have directors of this calibre join the board.

Tenby Powell is one of the country’s most successful businessmen and his considerable experience in strategic planning and leadership combined with his entrepreneurial flair will be invaluable. James McGillivray’s legal and commercial skills will also be a great asset to WaikatoLink as it continues to build its portfolio of technologies and services.”

Tenby Powell, founder and director of Hunter Powell Investments, is the entrepreneurial force behind the success of a number of companies including the New Zealand Rental Group, the country’s leading rental equipment provider. New Zealand Rental Group began life as Hirepool and now encompasses Port-a-Loo, Henderson Rentals, Rhodes Rentals, Barricading Solutions, Castles Marquee Hire, Hirepool Access and Hirepool Energy.

Prior to this he held senior management positions in Fletcher Challenge and Viking Pacific Group (formerly the Skellerup Group). He co-chaired the 2009 Entrepreneurial Summit, serves on the board of Antarctica New Zealand, and is a Trustee of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.

He graduated from the University of Waikato in 1987 and was honoured last year with a Distinguished Alumni Award for his entrepreneurial talents and leadership. Tenby Powell is also a graduate from the Harvard Business School and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

James McGillivray is a Partner at Hamilton law firm Tompkins Wake. He leads the commercial litigation team and specialises in high level complex disputes.

After commencing his career in Auckland in the litigation department of a national firm working on a broad range of commercial disputes, he spent four years as Senior Associate in the London office of leading international firm, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. He graduated from the University of Auckland in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws.  

On his appointment Tenby Powell said, “I am passionate about seeing businesses prosper.  We need successful businesses to stimulate wealth and job creation to contribute to a more vibrant New Zealand economy. I’m excited to be able to make a positive contribution to WaikatoLink as they unlock value from science and technology creating, out of entrepreneurial ventures, commercially viable IP and business entities that make a real contribution to New Zealand.”

James McGillivray said, “WaikatoLink has a strong track record in translating research outcomes into commercial technologies. I’m delighted to be able to bring my skills to bear as the company continues to grow from strength to strength.”

The new directors fill the positions left vacant by Dr Gerald Bailey and Peter Schuyt.  Current WaikatoLink Directors, Dr Rob Pringle, Sir William Gallagher, Professor Roy Crawford, Tom McClunie, Ross Townshend and Professor Doug Sutton, are all remaining on the Board.  

Professor Roy Crawford said, "On behalf of the Board I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of former Chairman, Dr Gerald Bailey, who retired at the end of December after serving on the board for 17 years. Gerald made a significant contribution to WaikatoLink over this time and leaves the company in a very strong position. Our thanks also go to Peter Schuyt for his contribution over the past year.  We wish them both well for the future."


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