One New Zealand chief excutive Jason Paris says it "feels like the right time" to step down from the role after nearly eight years in the top job.
One NZ board chairperson Phillippa Harford said Paris' leadership helped transform the company into one "recognised for innovation, customer focus and long-term value creation".
He was in the top role during the 2022 rebrand from Vodafone to One NZ following the sale of Vodafone to utilites investor Infratil and Canadian investment firm Brookfield Asset Management for $3.4 billion in 2019.
Over his tenure, Hardford said the company delivered strong shareholder returns alongside increased cash generation.
Jason Paris says the company has a cyber defence centre manned 24/7. (Source: 1News)
"Jason successfully guided the company through separation from Vodafone Group ownership and helped create One New Zealand, a proud Kiwi brand with a clear sense of purpose. He championed innovation, overseeing the launch of the world's first nationwide satellite-to-mobile service and positioning One New Zealand to become one of the world's most AI-enabled telecommunications companies."
Harford announced that Paris would be succeeded by Nick Judd, who was currently the company's chief financial officer.
"Nick is a well-rounded executive with extensive experience across strategy, operations, sales, commercial and finance. He brings a strong enterprise leadership capability that is underpinned by commercial acumen," a board spokesperon said.
Prior to joining One NZ, Judd was the chief financial officer of Tourism Holdings. He also spent more than 15 years at Air New Zealand, in New Zealand and internationally, across strategy, sales and growth roles.
Paris said leading One NZ had been "the privilege of my career".
"The people here are simply extraordinary, and I'll miss working alongside them every day. There's never a perfect time to hand over the reins, but after nearly eight years, with the business performing strongly and our strategy firmly in place, this feels like the right time.
“I'm absolutely delighted the Board has appointed Nick. He's an outstanding leader, and I know he'll do a fantastic job leading One New Zealand into its next chapter. As for me, I'm looking forward to a break before taking on my next challenge. I don't know exactly what that'll be yet, but I know it'll be exciting."
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