*ARCHIVE* - No 2. New BIA chief executive 25 Mar 2003
Bill Porteous announced yesterday that he would stand down from his position as chief executive of the BIA - effective immediately.
Richard Martin, who has been working with the organisation for a number of weeks project managing the implementation of the Hunn recommendations, will take up the position of acting chief executive.
Dr Porteous will retain a position in the organisation as chief policy advisor.
Two media statements announcing the moves follow, for your information. If you would like to provide feedback on BIA Update contact: bia.update@bia.govt.nz
Bill Porteous Resignation
BIA chairman Barry Brown announced today the resignation of Bill Porteous as chief executive.
He will be retained in a special role within the BIA as chief policy advisor, Mr Brown said.
"Dr Porteous has been under considerable personal pressure in recent months including a number of unwarranted attacks. He feels this is the best course of action for him personally and for the organisation.
"Dr Porteous has made a considerable contribution to the building industry in the five years he has held the position of chief executive."
"He has considerable technical expertise and institutional knowledge that we want to retain, particularly as we work with other government agencies and the industry in implementing significant change to the building control system."
Mr Brown said the Authority had appointed Richard Martin as acting chief executive.
Mr Martin is a qualified structural engineer and has held a number of senior public sector roles. He has been working within the BIA for a number of weeks already, leading a team tasked with implementing the recommendations of the Hunn report.
Chief Executive Stands Down
Bill Porteous confirmed today that he would be standing down as chief executive of the Building Industry Authority - effective immediately.
"Since the release of the Hunn Report into Weathertightness six months ago I have come under considerable criticism, as has the Authority, for the way the BIA has responded to the weathertightness issue.
"I believe that much of that criticism has been unfounded. Nevertheless, I find myself in a position where I believe that for the good of the organisation it is appropriate that I stand down from my current position.
"I have made this decision after some soul searching and with some regret. However, I believe my decision will assist the organisation to focus more fully on the already good work it is doing implementing the recommendations of the Hunn report.
"I would like to stress my full support for the staff of the BIA. They are committed and capable individuals and it has been my honour to work with them over the last five years.