Cawthron board of directors chairman, Ian Kearney, announced the appointment of Professor Charles Eason as the new chief executive of Cawthron Institute.
Professor Eason was formerly a senior manager with Landcare Research and a Professor at Lincoln University.
In October 2011 outgoing chief executive, Gillian Wratt, announced her intention to step down from the role with effect from April 2012. An international executive search process has taken place over the summer with Professor Eason accepting the position in late March and taking up the position at the beginning of June.
He has a science sector background having held research and senior management positions in multi-national pharmaceutical companies and in New Zealand in a crown research institute, a university and a manufacturing business.
He has led research groups in fields ranging from drug design to urban design, catchment management, conservation and product development.
Professor Eason has a PhD from the University of Surrey and has played a major role in the development of a number of new drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases while working overseas.
In New Zealand he worked for Landcare Research in different roles including regional manager for Hamilton and Auckland.
Professor Eason returned to the private sector in 2006 as research director for Connovation Ltd, an Auckland-based company producing new pest control tools that target introduced predators of native species.
He was appointed a professor at Lincoln University in 2007 where he led research programmes and established the Centre for Wildlife Management and Conservation.
Professor Eason has a long standing connection with Cawthron, having been a member of the Trust Board from 1998 to 2003 and a member of the Board of Directors since 2003.
“Professor Eason will provide strong leadership of science research for Cawthron and assist us to continue to lead research and build credibility with national and international partners and stakeholders,” says Ian Kearney.
“His experience with the progression of core science through to practical solutions for use by industry reflects a key component of Cawthron’s philosophy.”
Professor Eason’s achievements have been recognised by his peers and others. He has an extensive range of publications and has been a member of advisory groups for organisations such as the Animal Health Board, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency, the Tertiary Education Commission, and has been a participant in the Canberra-based Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre.
He was awarded a NZST silver medal for his contribution to vertebrate pest control. In 1994 he was the winner of the New Zealand Society of Scientists Foundation for Research, Science & Technology Science Communicator award.
“It is a privilege to be able to lead such an important and historical institution, one with such a well-earned global reputation,” Professor Eason says.
“Cawthron’s excellent research, and its ability to use research to provide solutions to matters of importance to the environment and the use of our coastal and freshwater systems is important.
“Cawthron has a great platform of capable researchers, facilities and partnerships to enable it to play an exciting role in the development of New Zealand’s seafood industry,” he says.
For more information:
Ian Kearney, board chairman
Cawthron Institute
Tel: 021 998 713
Professor Charles Eason
Tel: 021 224 0028
Visit: www.cawthron.org.nz
