Council economic development GM moving on

Rotorua District Council’s economic development general manager, Grant Kilby, is leaving the council after four years to take up a new position with Rotorua's Agrodome.

RDC economic and regulatory services group manager Mark Rawson said the council was sorry to be losing him as he had contributed much to the council and local business community over the four years he had been with RDC.

He said Grant had played an important role in a number of successful initiatives, such as the National Cycleway and National Centre of Cycling Excellence, and he had been a great cheerleader for the city's economic opportunities.

"It's testament to Grant's many achievements with council and to the respect in which he's held by the business community that the Agrodome has offered him a position as their new CEO. He’s certainly showed that he has the skills and experience to step up to the challenges of that role.

"We are pleased that he will be continuing to focus his passion for developing business and economic opportunities right here in Rotorua. He’s championed economic development for our city for many years and we know he will continue to do so from his new position.

"He leaves us with our very best wishes and our appreciation for his contribution to economic development programmes in Rotorua. We look forward to continuing to work with him in the future towards our shared objective of growing Rotorua's local economy.

Grant said while he was looking forward to taking up his new role he had found his four years at RDC very satisfying.

“I’ve always been impressed by the way management and staff at the council quietly pull together to get things done. They just get on with the job and ensure the next project is successful. They have a great bond and I’ve enjoyed being part of that team.”

Grant Kilby finishes with RDC on 03 June.