BOP Emerging Directors - 2023 winner announced
The Bay of Plenty Branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) has named Charles Russell as its 2023 Emerging Director Award recipient.
The Award fosters the development of upcoming talent in governance and leadership across business and community sectors, recognising executives, managers, directors and individuals who are in the early stages of their governance careers.
The other finalists were Carole Seymour and Mel Lewis.
Charles has spent more than five years in senior management roles and professional advisory positions and is currently a site manager at DMS Progrowers. He has an Executive MBA from the University of Waikato and believes his strong whakapapa around leadership and relationship building has enabled him to progress on this governance path.
“My Māori worldview has shaped my professional journey and I believe this perspective will enrich the boards I have the privilege to serve,” he said.
As a recipient of the Emerging Director Award, Charles will receive on-going governance development opportunities, including mentorship with an experienced director, one year membership with the Institute of Directors and complimentary attendance to IoD branch events, $1,500 towards IoD course costs, and a one year internship placement with the board for Tauranga City Council.
“I understand that governance isn't merely about compliance - it's about setting the tone for an organisation, fostering relationships and ensuring sustainable and ethical practices. My experiences, both professional and within the realm of governance, have strengthened this understanding,” said Russell.
Branch Chair and judge,Sam Fellows,said Charles brings unique experience and a passion to his board roles, contributing to positive outcomes in the community.
“Charles has shown a commitment to improving the governance of community groups he has been involved with, and that has been shown to have an excellent community impact. He has now started to use those skills in a business context and has committed himself to upskilling in that space. The award is a great opportunity to improve that further,” Fellows said.
Tauranga City Council’s General Manager: City Development & Partnerships, Gareth Wallis, said the council-controlled organisation (CCO) Board Intern Programme is an excellent opportunity for creating a pipeline of diverse board members and launching governance careers.
“This programme fosters greater diversity on our CCO Boards by providing a supportive environment for aspiring directors to develop their governance experience while contributing to the community. We’re delighted to collaborate with the Institute of Directors’ and Tourism Bay of Plenty for this year’s cohort.”
Tourism Bay of Plenty Chair, Russ Browne, says the Board embraces fresh thinking and recognises the value of supporting the next generation of local governance leaders.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to host an Emerging Director and look forward to both mentoring them and learning from them in an exciting and dynamic year ahead for our tourism sector,” he said.