Long-term BCITO chief executive announces retirement

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BCITO Board chairman Kevin Sceats has announced that chief executive Ruma Karaitiana has decided to retire within the next 12 months.

Mr Karaitiana has been the BCITO’s chief executive since January 2006 when the then Board was fortunate to appoint a talented and experienced chief executive who had a background in education and construction.

He is a current member of the executive committee of the Industry Training Federation, and former long-serving deputy chairman. He is also a former director of ACC, and a current board member of the Workbase Trust and the Central Energy Trust, as well as chairman of Education Services Ltd.

“I am grateful to have spent over nine years with this great organisation, and deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to lead it,” Mr Karaitiana says.

“I am very proud of what my colleagues at the BCITO have accomplished together during a time of successes and challenges.

“I believe that 2016 is the right time for me to retire for a number of reasons. First, the BCITO has performed exceptionally over the past couple of years, exceeding our’s and our stakeholders’ expectations. As a result, the organisation is operationally very sound and positioned for continued success.

“Second, the Board and I, along with the BCITO senior leadership team, have laid out a vision for the organisation that will guide the BCITO for many years to come. This gives me great confidence in the BCITO’s future ability to serve the construction industry.

“There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but I do feel now is the right time. We have embarked on a ground-breaking new strategy to take the BCITO to the forefront of digital engagement.

“Along with our highly competent senior leadership team, we need a chief executive who can move the BCITO forward in a new direction with a long-term vision.”

The BCITO Board of Directors has appointed a special committee to direct the process of recruiting a new chief executive. This committee is chaired by Mr Sceats, and includes Audit & Risk committee chairman Mike King, along with Board member Rob Gaimster.

The special committee is working with a leading executive recruiting firm, and will consider external and internal candidates. In the interim, Mr Karaitiana will provide continued services to help ensure a smooth transition.

“The Board cannot find the words to express its thanks for the enormous contribution Ruma has made towards the achievements of the BCITO, and his contribution to learning and development across the construction industry during his term,” Mr Sceats says.

“The Board is firmly committed to further enhancing the services and support the BCITO provides to its stakeholders and the wider construction industry.

“We are now focused on selecting a new chief executive to work with our Board and senior leadership team to chart the BCITO’s future success.”

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