Provided
Rob Phillips, Environment Southland chief Executive, has announced his resignation.
After two terms as chief executive at Environment Southland, Rob Phillips is retiring.
This week, councillors will begin the process of appointing a new chief executive at a closed meeting.
Phillips will be retiring in May but will continue to serve as co-chair of BioHeritage Challenge, and as the councils appointed representative on Predator Free Rakiura’s board.
Chairman Nicol Horrell stated that Phillips’ passion for Southland, as well as his commitment to working with the community, were unwavering. He will be missed.
Rob is a great friend and I want to thank him personally for the support and the excellent working relationship that we had as CE Chair and CE.
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Horrell said Phillips is a key player in strengthening community partnerships, building relationships between industry organisations, Te Ao Marama government ministers, and departments, and this is an important factor in the success of work programmes.
Horrell stated that he has supported councillors and steered the staff through a wide range of work, which can be both challenging and complex.
Phillips was an initiator for the Southland Regional Development Strategy. (SORDS). He brought his expertise and supported the staff through the devastating velvetleaf insect plant incursion in 2016.
Horrell stated that Rob’s vision and contribution mean that the organization is well-positioned for continued collaboration with the community to improve the Southlands environment.
