TVNZ chief executive Kevin Kenrick to stand down in February

Friday, 3 September 2021

TVNZ chief executive Kevin Kenrick has announced he will leave the company in February, after nine years in the role.

The announcement came days after the state-owned broadcaster announced a bumper profit and $2000 bonuses for most of its permanent staff.

It also comes as Cabinet prepares to consider a proposal by Broadcasting Minister Kris Faafoi to merge TVNZ and RNZ into a new public media agency, about which Kenrick has appeared lukewarm from the start.

Information on the possible structure of that agency is expected in October.

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Kenrick’s resignation would appear to rule him out as the future head of the merged business, if it would have a single chief executive which is not yet clear.

Kenrick has been approached for comment.

Other possible candidates to head the merged entity are believed to include former MediaWorks chief executive Michael Anderson, with speculation RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson’s chances may have been damaged by last year’s controversies over the restructure of its Concert radio station.

TVNZ chairman Andy Coupe said Kenrick had been an outstanding leader throughout his tenure.

“Kevin has led the organisation through a period of significant growth and transformational change. Whilst we will be sad to see him leave, the board is confident that Kevin has positioned TVNZ strongly for future success,” he said.

Kenrick said in a statement that it had been a tough decision to make “and yet it feels like the right time to finish”.

“It gives the board time to select a new chief executive heading into the public media future, and I’m committed to supporting them with this leadership transition,” he said.

Kenick said he intended to take an “extended break” after finishing at TVNZ and before making any decisions about future roles.