Fiona McTavish has been announced as the new Chief Executive at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana.

The announcement was made yesterday by regional council chairman Doug Leeder.

Fiona is currently the council general manager of strategy and science. Her appointment follows a robust and comprehensive recruitment process and she was selected from a very competitive list of candidates, says Doug.

'It is a pleasure to see the successful appointment coming from within the organisation,” says Doug.

'Fiona will bring to the role key strengths in policy and planning, strategic leadership and experience, not only in the Regional Sector, but also from previous executive positions held in both the Education and Health Sectors.”

Fiona replaces Mary-Anne Macleod, who informed the council at the beginning of March that she would not be reapplying for the position after seven years in office.

Her final day with Regional Council will be Friday June 29.

'I would also like to acknowledge the contribution that Mary-Anne Macleod has made to the Council and the organisation over the past 11 years, seven of those as the Chief Executive,” says Doug.

'Mary-Anne has developed and implemented major policy and science advances, complex financing and accountability structures, and made a significant contribution to local government at a national level.

'She has also led the organisation through several major crises, including the Rena grounding and the Edgecumbe floods. We wish her well in her future endeavours, in whatever role or function she wishes to pursue.”