New Lyttelton Port boss to get $829k pay package, plus $30k to shift
Tuesday, 17 September 2019
New Lyttelton Port boss Roger Gray will be paid less than his million-dollar predecessor, but will still be one of the Christchurch public sector's top-earning executives.
Gray was announced on Tuesday as the replacement for current port company chief executive Peter Davie, who leaves at the end of the year.
Lyttelton Port Company chairwoman Margaret Devlin said Gray's base salary including Kiwisaver would be $638,000 plus a maximum performance bonus of 30 per cent. This makes a possible total package of $829,400.
Gray's relocation costs from Auckland will also be met, up to $30,000 – the same sum the Christchurch City Council offered its incoming chief executive Dawn Baxendale to relocate from the United Kingdom.
READ MORE: Cream at the top for public sector chief executives
Davie's pay with bonuses controversially passed the million-dollar mark in 2012. In the year to June he was the highest paid head of a Christchurch City Council-owned company with a $991,000 pay packet – from a salary of $631,000 and $360,000 incentives.
He is resigning after 16 years in the job, to go sailing around the Pacific.
In the last financial year the port company made a $12m profit, down from $14.4m the previous year.
Gray is group general manager of airports at Air New Zealand. He manages all ground handling and lounge operations at 55 airports around the globe, covering 2700 staff.
Devlin said Gray brought 'significant expertise and knowledge' in logistics, procurement, leadership and operations on both sides of the Tasman.
'His extensive experience running complex business units with large numbers of operational staff is a real asset, not just for the port, but for the whole Canterbury region. We're delighted to have secured someone of his calibre.'
Lyttelton is New Zealand's third largest port. It is undergoing a massive post-quake rebuild and expansion, including a $56m cruise ship berth.
Gray said it would be tough following on from Davie.
'The port's rebuild has really set it up to cement its place as the South Island's international trade gateway. I'm looking forward to being be a part of that story into the future.'
Before joining Air New Zealand in 2013, Gray was managing director, Australia for the Blue Star Print Group. He has also held several senior leadership roles with Goodman Fielder, including managing director of Quality Bakers New Zealand and supply chain director for Goodman Fielder Baking Australia.
He was an officer in the Australian Army.
Behind Davie, the highest paid council company boses are Steve Fuller, head of fibre broadband company Enable, who earned $934,000 in the 2017/18 year, followed by Christchurch Airport head Malcolm Johns, who was paid $836,360.
To find its new chief executive the port company hired recruitment agency Kerridge & Partners. Devlin declined to reveal the fee for that service on the grounds of commercial sensitivity.
That's despite the Christchurch City Council releasing its spend on recruiting its new chief executive after Stuff complained to the Ombudsman: It paid Wellington-based JacksonStone and Partners $55,000.
WHO IS PAID WHAT?
Steve Fuller, head of CCHL-owned fibre broadband company Enable, earned $934,000 in 2017/18.
Christchurch Airport CEO Malcolm Johns was paid $836,360.
Auckland City Council chief executive Stephen Town has a $698,000 wage.
Incoming Christchurch City Council chief executive Dawn Baxendale will receive a $495,000 salary, $80,000 more than predecessor Karleen Edwards.
Dunedin City Council chief executive Dr Sue Bidrose is paid $444,000.
Queenstown Lakes District council boss Mike Theelen will receive a 2019-2020 salary of $357,000.
ChristchurchNZ boss Joanna Norris' salary is $325,000.
Red Bus chief executive Paul McNoe was paid $303,250 in 2017/18.
Regenerate Christchurch head Ivan Iafeta earned $300,000.