AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND: The Chorus Limited Board announced that current director Mark Cross will succeed Dr Patrick Strange as chairman when Dr Strange stands down at Chorus’ next annual shareholders meeting in October.
Chorus is a provider of telecommunications infrastructure throughout New Zealand. It is listed on the NZX stock exchange and is in the NZX 50 Index. It is the owner of the majority of telephone lines and exchange equipment in New Zealand.
“Mark has been a Board member since November 2016 and is currently chair of Chorus’ Audit and Risk Management Committee. His extensive experience in strategic governance, technology and corporate finance has been a great asset given some of the challenges we’ve had to navigate as we funded the building of the fibre network while awaiting the new regulatory framework.”
“I’m really pleased to be handing over to someone with a strong understanding of our role as an essential infrastructure provider and the balance needed to encourage ongoing investment that will deliver future consumer benefits,” Dr Strange said.
Mr Cross is currently chair of Milford Asset Management (retiring 1 July) and a director of the Accident Compensation Corporation (and Investment Committee chair), Xero (audit & risk committee chair) and Z Energy (will cease on completion of the Ampol takeover).
Dr Strange is currently also chair of Auckland International Airport and a director of Mercury NZ. He was recently awarded Chairperson of the Year at the Deloitte Top 200 Awards.
Chorus also announces today that its CFO David Collins has resigned and plans to leave Chorus and return to Australia later in the year. Mr Collins will be working to ensure a smooth handover to his successor once an appointment is made in the coming months.
Chorus CEO JB Rousselot acknowledged Mr Collins’ significant contribution to Chorus.
“David’s experience in regulated infrastructure was instrumental in Chorus finalising the regulatory outcomes we achieved in 2021. He will leave having played a large part in setting Chorus up for success in the new regulatory environment. We wish David well in his next endeavours and acknowledge his desire to be closer to his wider family in Australia,” Mr Rousselot said.