Regulator gets new CEO

Suzanne Stew, a senior public service leader with a strong background in business, has been appointed as the Commerce Commission’s new chief executive and starts in the role on May 4.

The regulator’s chair, Dr John Small, says Stew, pictured, stood out among a strong field of applicants for her breadth of experience across the private and public sectors, which will equip her with a perspective to serve the commission well.

She has a reputation for “outstanding leadership, a focus on the people she works with and the ability to navigate complex systems while consistently delivering results”.

Small adds: “Her roles across the private sector, crown entities and public service have informed a broad perspective on the connectivity between government and the market.

“The board and I are confident that under Suzanne’s leadership the commission will continue to enhance competition to help grow the economy, and improve choice and value for all New Zealanders.”

Stew is a senior public-sector executive whose leadership roles at the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) have built on her work in the private sector. 

She began her career as an electronic product engineer in the UK with British Telecom and Sony. After emigrating here, she held senior management positions at Wrightson and TelstraClear before entering the public sector with NZ Trade and Enterprise and the Ministry of Justice.

At MBIE, Stew oversaw a significant portfolio spanning 11 regulatory systems. She was also its acting chief executive.

Small says: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Suzanne. In the meantime, I want to extend my sincere thanks to Raj Krishnan, who has done an exceptional job of leading us through the transition to a new chief executive, and to Anna Moodie who has supported Raj as deputy.”