Mary-Anne Macleod's role as acting chief executive for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council changes to a permanent posting on Monday, August 8.

The council's chairman, John Cronin, says the decision to appoint Mary-Anne as the chief executive follows a robust process involving all councillors.

'We believe Mary-Anne will guide council on the right path and continue to build our expertise and delivery in regional leadership and economic development as well as ensuring we have healthy relationships with our local and central government stakeholders,” says John.

'Council is delighted to have Mary-Anne take up this role and we believe she is the right person to continue our organisation's focus on efficiency and effectiveness as well as on our key natural icons including Tauranga harbour, Rotorua lakes and Ohiwa harbour.

'In addition to already knowing a lot about our council and the Bay of Plenty, Mary-Anne brings a wealth of experience to this position through her roles with international companies and the Ministry for the Environment.”

Mary-Anne has significant experience in the environmental and policy fields having held a general manager's role at the Ministry for the Environment as well as holding a Masters of Science degree.

She has also worked in the United Kingdom with Mobil Oil, the Department of the Environment and Acer Environmental.

Before heading overseas in the early 1990s she worked in Wellington for several government departments.

Mary-Anne is looking forward to taking up her new role.

'Our council is in a very good place and I'm eager to deliver the strategic direction as we continue to work on restoring our natural icons including our harbours, lakes and waterways as well as ensuring we are delivering effective and efficient outcomes to our community,” says Mary-Anne.

'My background of working in various levels of government, both in New Zealand and internationally, as well as my commercial experience, and the relationships I have built will ensure that council continues to strengthen the great work that has already been done and the challenges we are facing in the future.

'My work will continue to focus on building relationships, working with our partners in a collaborative and proactive way and to engage with all sectors of our community.”