AgResearch today announced the appointment of Allanah James to its newly created position of Corporate Affairs Manager.

Ms James is a Senior Communications Advisor for the Tertiary Education Commission and has more than ten years experience in public relations, corporate affairs and communications in some of New Zealand’s major public and private sector organisations.

Dr Andy West, AgResearch CEO, says this is an important new appointment in the country’s largest Crown Research Institute and reflects its recommitment to the pastoral sector and the community.

“We need the public to have a better understanding and awareness of the world-leading research our scientists undertake and the enormous benefits of their work for the New Zealand economy,” said Dr West. “The Corporate Affairs Manager is responsible for developing enhanced communication and helping strengthen our relationships with stakeholders and the community.

“Allanah has a solid track record of expertise in these areas and brings an outstanding depth of experience to AgResearch.”

Ms James has been Communications Manager for the second largest District Health Board in New Zealand, the Canterbury DHB, a Media Relations Executive for Telecom, and Public Affairs Manager for the former Air New Zealand business subsidiary Mount Cook Line.

With TVNZ she produced and presented news and current affairs stories for One News and Holmes, the former Christchurch regional news programme and was a foundation journalist/presenter for the science and technology programme ‘Science Express’.

Ms James begins as Corporate Affairs Manager with AgResearch on August 30^.