National Party insider appointed to Takeovers Panel

Friday 5th April 2013

One of the country's most experienced public relations professionals, Tina Symmans, has been appointed to the Takeovers Panel.

Deeply connected to the National Party, Symmans was a key adviser to the party on its 2008 election campaign and has previously held senior corporate roles at Telecom and Contact Energy, and was an adviser to the then owner of the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, Comalco New Zealand, in the 1990s.

She worked with merchant bankers Fay Richwhite on communications for the privatisation of Telecom in 1990 and has been a go-to woman for major corporates seeking advice on government relations, issues management and brand development.

Her father, Gerry Symmans, was a press secretary to the Prime Minister from 1978 to 1984, Sir Robert Muldoon.

Her appointment to Takeovers Panel is for five years.

"Ms Symmans brings a wealth of expertise to the role," said Commerce Minister Craig Foss. "Her experience in capital markets and project management will be a real asset to the panel."

Symmans is currently an independent consultant and Chairperson of William Warne Limited.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

Comments from our readers

No comments yet