The NZUS Council has appointed Jonathan Mason as its Chair, succeeding Rosemary Banks who is departing to become New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States. Mr Mason is a professional independent director with vast experience in companies involved in the US market.

Mr Mason has extensive commercial experience, having worked in financial management positions across the dairy, forest products, oil and gas, and chemical industries in New Zealand and the USA. His experience in this field has been across a wide range of companies including Fonterra, Carter Holt Harvey, International Paper, ExxonMobil Corporation and Cabot Corporation.

Alongside his financial management background, Jonathan has ample experience in non-executive director positions on boards in both New Zealand and the USA, which have included Air New Zealand, Vector, Westpac NZ, Zespri Group and the World Wildlife Fund.

Jonathan also holds the position of Adjunct Professor of Management at the University of Auckland, with a focus on finance.

Mr Mason will soon be stepping down from the role of President of the American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand.

Mr Mason said “as our third most important trading relationship supporting over $26 billion in two-way trade, the NZUS Council plays an important role in engaging with US government and business to protect and enhance our economic relationship with the USA.

“I’m happy to be appointed to the role and look forward to promoting better access for trade in goods and services and investment between the two countries”.

This change of Chair comes at a time when there is renewed focus on New Zealand’s relationship with the United States as a critically important trading partner, a source of investment, and new technologies.

The NZUS Council is a non-partisan and independent organisation committed to promoting all dimensions of New Zealand’s multi-faceted relations with the United States. The Council welcomes members from business, government, academia, and the expanding technology sector.

https://www.nzuscouncil.org/