Tuesday, 25 June 2024 15:55

WorkSafe appoints new CEO

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Sharon Thompson Sharon Thompson

WorkSafe has appointed Sharon Thompson as its new chief executive.

She joins the organisation from the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) where she leads the operations and capability functions. Previously, Thompson was at Inland Revenue, where she led a nation-wide customer facing and operations team through a major transformation as deputy commissioner, customer and compliance services.

Her appointment was announced by WorkSafe board chair Jennifer Kerr.

Kerr says Thompson has extensive public and private sector experience leading business transformation programmes and building highly engaged teams to overcome challenges and deliver results.

“Sharon is well placed to drive the delivery of WorkSafe’s new strategy and operating plan, which sets out how we will undertake our role as Thompson says it’s an honour to have been appointed as WorkSafe’s chief executive.

“I look forward to the privilege of working with the WorkSafe team, and with government and sector partners, businesses and workers, iwi, unions, and everyone who can help influence better health and safety at work in New Zealand.”

Kerr says interim chief executive Steve Haszard has completed the priority tasks he was brought in by the board to undertake.

“I’m grateful for Steve’s clear and decisive leadership during a challenging time. WorkSafe now has improved financial discipline and a new strategy with a targeted focus on serious risk and harm. Under Sharon’s leadership, WorkSafe will continue to influence businesses and workers to manage those risks, reduce harm and deliver better health and safety outcomes for all.

Haszard’s last day will be Friday July 12. WorkSafe deputy chief executive operations Kane Patena will be acting chief executive until Thompson starts in her new role.

More like this

Accident triggers traffic alert in barns, sheds

WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.

Crush death triggers on-farm traffic alert

Following a sentencing for a death at a South Canterbury agribusiness, WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds.

Featured

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

National

Machinery & Products

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets,…

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter