ChristchurchNZ hires high-flying former trade director as new chief executive

Thursday, 16 December 2021

ChristchurchNZ is encouraging people to support local businesses this summer. (First published November 2021)

A high-flying New Zealand Trade and Enterprise regional director and Cambridge graduate is the new ChristchurchNZ chief executive.

Alison Adams has been appointed to lead the city’s sustainable economic development agency following the resignation of former chief executive Joanna Norris, who left to take up a role as chief content officer for Stuff.

ChristchurchNZ delivers a wide range of activities for the city, including business attraction, city promotion, business support, urban development, the region’s film office and the Christchurch Antarctic Office.

Alison Adams is the new chief executive of ChristchurchNZ.

Originally from the UK, Adams started her business career as a brand manager for Unilever after graduating from the University of Cambridge with a first-class honours degree in natural science.

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She then spent 15 years in Christchurch, including four years working for New Zealand Cricket, before she began significant roles with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

Latterly Adams spent four years as the European regional director for NZTE and was based in London. She recently returned to Christchurch.

Former chief executive of ChristchurchNZ Joanna Norris.

Excited with her new role, Adams said Ōtautahi was increasingly being seen as a great place to relocate for both people and businesses.

Therese Arseneau, chairwoman of the ChristchurchNZ board, said the role required someone who could oversee a complex set of city priorities.

The position had attracted a wide field of local, national and international applicants, she said.

“While many were outstanding, Alison stood out for her senior leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, her strategic thinking, a strong track record of delivery and her experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships.”

Interim chief executive Laura Dawson will continue to lead ChristchurchNZ until Adams begins in early February.