November 18, 2010.
Dr John Hay, Chief Executive Officer of ESR, has announced his intention to resign his position in May 2011, after eleven years in the role.
“It was a difficult decision for me to make given the length of time I have been in the role here as CEO, and my commitment and very strong attachment to the Institute. It has been a privilege to be in a leadership role at ESR, and to have worked with such a dedicated and outstanding team of scientists and technical staff. However I feel it is time now for me to pursue other interests, including some time travelling with my wife to see overseas family. I have given six months notice, rather than the required three, to give ample time to recruit a replacement and ensure a smooth transition," he said.
Board Chair Dr Susan Macken said Dr Hay had provided exceptional leadership during his eleven-year tenure.
“Under Dr Hay, ESR and its staff have continually delivered outstanding and vital operational and research science which underpins the New Zealand government’s health and justice sectors," she said.
ESR is a Crown Research Institute providing operational scientific services primarily to the government sector. The organisation is sole provider of forensic science services to the New Zealand Police, and provides a range of public health scientific services including food safety, water management, disease surveillance and health intelligence.
“It has grown from an organisation of 260 staff and $27m revenue when Dr Hay joined in 2000, to its current revenue of nearly $54 million, and 370 staff. ESR is widely acknowledged as one of the most stable, and successful Crown Research Institutes,” she said.
“Throughout John’s tenure the organisation has a kept robust balance sheet and consistently delivered between 8 and 9 % return to the New Zealand government.
“But more importantly the work of ESR staff has ensured the safety and security of New Zealanders. From a 24/7 forensic science service, through to ensuring our drinking water and food is safe, every day ESR staff are delivering public good services and value to shareholders, the New Zealand public,” she said.
“ESR has also continually improved the services it provides. Ongoing growth under John's leadership has enabled the organisation to make major investments in critical scientific capabilities and facilities. For example in the forensic science area New Zealand has led the world in developing forensic science capability and services. The DNA databank ‘hit rate’, which links individual profiles to crime sample profiles, has continued to be the highest in the world. He oversaw the opening of a purpose built forensic DNA facility in 2002, and enabled investment in forensic research, which has resulted in the introduction of new case-breaking forensic techniques and tools, such as Low copy number DNA.
Dr Hay was also the driving force behind the establishment of the National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease - Wallaceville. The value of ESR’s new science centre at the site proved its worth during last years ‘flu pandemic,” she said.
In 2007 he was honoured for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the international development of forensic science and public health by the Royal Society of New Zealand. The Thomson Medal also acknowledged Dr Hay as an outstanding ambassador for science in general and for his constructive approach to science policy development and cooperation.
Background
Dr John Hay began his research career in plant science and agronomy at DSIR, and later become General Manager of AgResearch, Grasslands, where he coordinated more than 200 staff in research programmes, and built science competencies to national and international standing in strategic areas of New Zealand's pasture-based economy.
As Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research since 2000, John has grown and enhanced New Zealand's contribution to the international development of forensic science and public health science, and expanded the services provided nationally to our justice and public health systems.