Queenstown Strategy Leadership Role Announced

University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson has appointed Professor Richard Barker to drive the University's ambitious plans in Queenstown and the Lakes District.

Richard-Barker-image

Professor Richard Barker

Professor Barker will step down from his current role as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) at the end of the year to focus on implementing a strong and permanent presence in the region.

Mr Robertson believes the time is right to have someone focused solely on the Queenstown Lakes District.

"The University has a long-standing relationship with the region. Over the last year we have been developing that further, including through partnerships with technology companies and engagement with the wider community.

"This is a major strategic push for the University, and it needs dedicated leadership.

"Professor Barker has been a driving force behind the Queenstown strategy from the beginning, and I am pleased he will now be able to dedicate his time to making the vision become reality, working alongside other University leaders," he says.

The University announced in October last year its intention to create a presence in Queenstown to drive the growth of the institution and the area, with a particular focus on creating a technology hub and centre for innovation.

Existing partnerships with organisations like Queenstown Resort College and Technology Queenstown, and executive education programmes, were bolstered in May when the University teamed up with global cybersecurity leader Palo Alto Networks. Further partnerships are expected to be announced in due course.

Professor Barker says the overall aim for Queenstown Lakes District is to create a dynamic presence that responds to the needs of industry partners while advancing the University's academic mission and strategic goals.

"The approach to strategy on this has been to identify the opportunity and then move forward rapidly to capitalise on the interest we have found from companies and the wider community. I'm excited to be the person who gets to take this to the next level," he says.

After nine years in his role as PVC, Professor Barker believes it is time to move on to a new challenge.

He joined Otago's Department of Mathematics and Statistics in 1998, was appointed Professor of Statistics in 2007, and was Head of the Department from 2008 to 2016. He was appointed PVC of the Division in 2017.

"When I look at the Division now, it is financially viable, it is in good heart, is made up of fantastic people, and delivers really high-quality science – I'm proud of that.

"I'm incredibly proud to have been able to head the Division at, arguably, New Zealand's most science intensive university."

Mr Robertson thanked Professor Barker for his work as Pro-Vice Chancellor.

"Richard has been a strong voice for the Sciences at the Senior Leadership table and has shown great skill in navigating the Division through some challenging times."

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