Farewells and new appointments

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

UPDATE

The Board farewells Chair Andrew Peterson and board members Keren Blakey and David Gibson, and appoints Nicole Xanthopol, Indy Sena and Monique Sullivan.

Long-standing chair Andrew Peterson retired from the Board in October after more than 13 years of service to the School. Andrew joined the Board in May 2008 and became chair in January 2012. Throughout his tenure, Andrew has been on the Board’s Campus Development Committee, chair of the Student Services Committee, chair of the People and Culture Committee and chair of the Succession Committee. Andrew has overseen reviews of the School’s Strategic Direction, supported major campus projects, and has worked closely with the Board and Principal Heather McRae on many aspects of the School’s governance.

When asked to identify one particular highlight, Andrew mentioned the unswerving focus of Dio to create a genuine and authentic environment that instils in every girl the courage and confidence to shape their own future. Andrew said that he has enjoyed every aspect of the role and expressed his thanks for “the privilege and opportunity to undertake the role, and work with an amazing principal in Heather McRae, and such talented and committed Board members”.

Andrew is leaving Dio in great heart and with a clear sense of purpose and vision for the future. His contribution has been exceptional in creating a highly effective

New Board Chair Nicole Xanthopol. Retiring Board Chair Andrew Peterson

Monique Sullivan

governance model. The Board will formally farewell Andrew and thank him for his outstanding service to Diocesan early in the new year.

To ensure a smooth succession, the Board carried out an extensive search process and was delighted to appoint Old Girl and current parent Nicole Xanthopol as a board member in June. After a period of transition, Nicole assumed the role of chair in October. Nicole is a lawyer and partner in leading boutique law firm Webb Henderson, specialising in banking and finance. Nicole has also been a partner at one of the world’s leading law firms in London, and has extensive governance experience in law firms, and also in the education sector at Remuera Primary. Nicole is enthusiastic about the opportunity at Dio and looks forward to engaging with the community when we are all back on-site.

In June, the Board farewelled Dio Old Girl Keren Blakey and David Gibson. Keren had been on the Board for just over five years and was chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for much of that time. Keren’s financial acumen and leadership throughout her time on the Board was outstanding and, together with the School’s CFO, Scott Christie, formed a great team who provided wise counsel and inspired confidence.

David Gibson retired from the Board after two and a half years, during which he was also chair of the Heritage Foundation and a member of the Board’s Campus Development Committee. David embarked on a significant review and refocussing of the Heritage Foundation which led to the appointment of a number of new trustees to the Foundation. David’s work will be long lasting and is an important and significant legacy. The contributions made by Keren and David have greatly assisted in the betterment of Dio and created a real sense of confidence about the School’s future direction.

Before Keren’s retirement, the Board appointed Indy Sena at the meeting in May. Indy is an Assurance Partner at PwC with extensive audit and assurance experience at PwC in New Zealand, Australia and Japan. As well as his technical accounting skills, Indy brings a strategic and commercial perspective to the Board, and has recently assumed the role of chair of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee. Indy was able to transition into the role under the guidance of Keren. Indy is also a current parent at Dio.

In November, the Board appointed Monique Sullivan. Monique is a senior project manager with MPM Projects Limited and has led many of the School’s major construction works. Through that role, she knows the campus and the Dio team well. Monique is also a current parent at Dio. As well as the perspectives she will bring to the Board, Monique brings specialist expertise to the Campus Development Committee.

The Board is delighted to welcome Nicole, Indy and Monique and thanks Andrew, Keren and David for their leadership and service to Dio and the community.

Indy Sena