Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) has appointed Jim Quinn as interim chief executive following the sudden resignation of Kirstie Gardener.
Gardener is departing after less than a year in the role. No explanation was given for her resignation. She worked at the port for around four years and was appointed chief executive in May last year.
LPC board chair Margaret Devlin says Quinn is an experienced supply chain professional with a deep knowledge of LPC operations, from his previous time as a member of the board from 2014 – 2019.
“Jim’s focus will be on ensuring in the interim LPC continues to deliver the levels of operational performance customers expect while continuing to maintain our commitments to operate safely, efficiently and sustainably.
“He will lead LPC while the board commences a full recruitment process for a new CEO, which is expected to take around six months,” Devlin says.
Quinn was the establishment chief executive of KiwiRail and was also chief executive of Express Couriers, the joint venture between NZ Post and DHL Group.
“The board and I wish Kirstie all the best for the future and thank her for her hard work over her four years at LPC,” Devlin adds.
“Kirstie has been a key part of our organisational transformation, as both a member of the executive team and as CEO.”
