Interim CEO takes charge at port

Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) has appointed Jim Quinn as its interim chief executive officer following the resignation of Kirstie Gardener after less than a year in the top job.

Quinn, pictured, is described as an experienced supply-chain professional with deep knowledge of LPC’s operations from his time as a board member between 2014 and 2019.

His previous roles have included being chief executive officer of KiwiRail from 2009 to 2014 and he held the same position at Express Couriers, the joint venture between NZ Post and DHL Group, between 2005 and 2009. He also holds a number of directorships.

Margaret Devlin, LPC board’s chair, says: “Jim’s focus will be on ensuring in the interim LPC continues to deliver the levels of operational performance customers expect while continuing to maintain our commitments to operate safely, efficiently and sustainably.

“He will lead LPC while the board commences a full recruitment process for a new CEO, which is expected to take around six months.”

Quinn replaces Gardener who became chief executive at LPC in May 2022 after filling the role in an acting capacity for five months.

She first joined the company in February 2019 as general manager of human resources and later became general manager of people and safety. 

“The board and I wish Kirstie all the best for the future and thank her for her hard work over her four years at LPC,” adds Devlin. 

“Kirstie has been a key part of our organisational transformation, as both a member of the executive team and as CEO.”