In a recent update, New Zealand Defence Industry Association (NZDIA) CEO Ian Harman informed Association members of the outcome of recently held vote for senior board positions.
The NZDIA Board Meeting of 02 February saw Geoff Blake elected as Chair and Chris Edwards returning as Deputy Chair.
As the Senior Program Manager New Zealand of Airbus in Australia Pacific, Geoff leads Airbus’ New Zealand aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) business based in Blenheim, leading a team of almost 250 across the company’s Blenheim, Ohakea and Whenuapai sites.
A qualified Chartered Accountant, Geoff’s career has been focussed on companies with significant production and logistics components. Joining Air New Zealand in 2005, he transferred to Air New Zealand’s Safe Air subsidiary in 2008. When Airbus acquired the Safe Air business in 2015, Geoff transferred with the operation.
“I truly believe that given my extensive experience of working with NZDF over the past 13 years, and the positive journey we have taken our relationship on, I can add value to the NZDIA and its member organisations,” Geoff stated in an election pitch.
“With the NZDIA I am looking to grow the diversity of membership, including the Board composition, and am ready to share my ideas on how we all can work more efficiently and effectively with NZDF and NZ MOD,” he said.
Deputy Chair Chris Edwards was the first SME company owner in many years to be voted President of CBAFF (The Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation).
“New Zealand is primarily a SME supplier market, and it would be good to advocate for that part of our economy in this role,” he said.
“As I am sure you are aware, it has been a tumultuous time in the Supply Chain in New Zealand, and I have enjoyed facing the challenge of breaking down silos and working collaboratively.”
