New Zealand’s Mercury boss appointed as chair of business council

FRASER Whineray, CEO of state-owned energy company Mercury, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the New Zealand Government’s Business Advisory Council.

Whineray, who has a degree in chemical engineering, will replace Christopher Luxon, the CEO of Air New Zealand. The Business Advisory Council was formed in 2018 by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to enable the Government to work closely with business leaders. The aim of the council is to provide advice on policies that affect business, use the expertise of the private sector to inform policy, and build better relationships between business and Government.

Ardern said: “I’m delighted Fraser accepted my invitation and I look forward to his leadership of the Council as we work together for business and the economy in order to lift the living standards of all New Zealanders.”