We are pleased to announce that Dr Sue Watson has been appointed Kea’s new Global CEO.

Sue is an educational academic, consultant and business director whose international experience includes two years as a Research Associate at the Consortium for Policy Research in Education at the University of Pennsylvania.

In 2004, she launched export education publishing company and consultancy, South Pacific Press and Lift Education, with business partners. The company leveraged New Zealand’s internationally recognised expertise in literacy to grow the export business.

“I believe this experience will be valuable in my role at Kea, as a key focus for the organisation is to help grow New Zealand’s export sector, particularly for start up businesses and SMEs,” she said.

Since 2009, she has been an independent consultant on a range of projects including the OECD’s Financial Education in Schools project. She is now looking forward to her role in Kea, beginning with the implementation of the organisation’s new global strategy.

“Over the past ten years, Kea has built a strong network of Kiwi expats and friends of New Zealand.  Our new focus is to fully realise the potential of this network and we will be launching a new range of service offerings to help inspire, fund, connect and educate New Zealand businesses for the benefit of New Zealand Inc”.

Kea Chair Sir Stephen Tindall says Sue was selected from a pool of nearly 70 applicants. “Sue’s experience holds her in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead and we are excited about the injection of new energy she will bring into Kea’s leadership team “.

Sue replaces Ross McConnell who will remain on Kea’s board.

Please see article on DomPost and stuff.co.nz below:
www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business