Current head of Christchurch-based Landcare Research, Dr Warren Parker, is relocating to Rotorua to take up the role of chief executive officer for New Zealand Forest Research. Warren begins the role on March 6 next year for the company which trades as Scion.

Dr Warren Parker.

His appointment was announced in a joint statement by Scion chairperson Tony Nowell and Landcare Research chairperson Jo Brosnahan on December 9.
Jo says Landcare Research has made great strides under Warren's leadership and the organisation is now well positioned for the future.
She says the company now has high quality customer and stakeholder relationships in place, consistent financial performance and, through its recently released statement of core purpose, a clear responsibility to provide national science leadership at the critical nexus between the economy and the environment.
'Dr Parker will bring a strong track record in scientific leadership and substantial experience in building productive science-industry relationships to Scion, which as an internationally respected leader in forestry, wood products and biomaterials research, is uniquely placed to contribute to increasing the economic, environmental and social value of forestry to New Zealand,” says Tony.
Warren's roles have included visiting research manager of IMBcom Pty Ltd in Queensland and chief operating officer at AgResearch Science.
He pursued an academic career from 1980 to 1998 which included Massey University professorships covering farm management and agricultural systems, horticultural systems, agribusiness and resource management.
He gained a BAgrSc (Hons 1) in 1978 and a MAgrSC (Hons 1) in 1984, both from Massey University, and a PhD in Animal Science in 1980.
Warren has also been a recipient of a number of academic awards and has served on science panels and advisory boards in both New Zealand and Australia.