Chief Executive Officer – Lead New Zealand Story

About the role

The Chief Executive Officer will steer New Zealand Story, the nationally significant brand that protects, enhances and promotes Aotearoa New Zealand internationally. Reporting to the board and co‑located with NZTE, the CEO will lead a small expert team to deliver the organisation’s strategy and build alignment across public and private partners.

Key responsibilities

• Represent the story of Aotearoa New Zealand with authenticity, mana and credibility.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team with clarity, care, pace and accountability.
• Translate the New Zealand Story strategy into focused, measurable delivery.
• Work collaboratively with exporters, agencies, advisory groups and senior stakeholders.
• Drive impact in a constrained funding environment through influence, alignment and resourcefulness.
• Support the integrity and development of the FernMark brand mark.
• Use research and insight to shape compelling international narratives.

Required profile

• Senior experience in brand, PR, communications, reputation, marketing or related leadership.
• Proven ability to engage senior leaders, exporters, funders and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated appreciation for te ao Māori and its role in national storytelling.
• Sound judgement, humility and strong stakeholder maturity.

Required skills

• Strategic brand leadership.
• Public‑private partnership management.
• Storytelling and narrative development for international audiences.
• Research‑driven insight application.