Wellington economic agency boss Chris Whelan steps down, takes on advisory role

Thursday, 25 May 2017

Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency chief executive Chris Whelan will step down and take on an advisory role for the agency.

The boss of Wellington's economic development agency is stepping down after less than two years at the helm.

Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (Wreda) chief executive Chris Whelan will stay on as an adviser to the organisation.

Wellington City Council officer Derek Fry will take on the role of acting chief executive for Wreda on Monday.

He will start his new role on Monday.

Meanwhile, Wellington City Council growth and partnerships director Derek Fry, who was set to retire in June, will take over Whelan's old role in the interim.

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Whelan was appointed to lead the newly created Wreda in 2015, bringing together the economic development functions of Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council, along with Grow Wellington, Positively Wellington Tourism and Positively Wellington Venues.

The circumstances surrounding Whelan's departure are being kept under wraps, but sources have said it stems from concerns among the board and senior management about the direction of the council-controlled agency.

Wreda chairman Peter Biggs said the role would be advertised as soon as possible. He would not speculate on any issues relating to Whelan's performance.

Whelan had done a great job bringing together five strong organisations and getting Wreda up and running, Biggs said.

He had been in conversation with Whelan for some time about taking on a strategy and 'new' economy role.

'Chris told staff he was thinking about what he really wants to do, and he has strengths in the strategy and future area, which he specialised in,' Biggs said.

The advisory position would see Whelan analysing global trends and emerging opportunities.

'I'm passionate about the Wellington region and this advisory role enables me to assist Wreda with my skills and expertise in strategy, business transformation and governance,' Whelan said in a statement.

He was proud of what the agency had achieved in a relatively short time under his leadership.

'The successful LookSee Wellington campaign to attract top tech talent to the region has been a highlight,' the statement said.

Biggs said Whelan would not be making any more comment.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Milford said the 'resignation' would be a disappointment to those who had pinned high hopes for the region on him.

'Chris deserves our thanks for the job he's done in bringing three disparate organisations together … it was a difficult job, and I know he worked very hard to make it happen.

'He arrived with a proven track record after heading the organisation that put Cape Town on the map as one of the world's most liveable cities, and it's a shame he's going without seeing Wreda reach its potential.'