16 Nov 2009

Outgoing Nuplex managing director looks at new roles

1:31 pm on 16 November 2009

Nuplex managing director John Hirst says he will be looking at taking up directorships when he steps down from the listed resins maker in June next year.

Mr Hirst and the company faced criticism over Nuplex's slow response to the global financial crisis and its handling of the $160 million capital raising it undertook to reduce bank debt.

Mr Hirst has been in charge at Nuplex since 2001 and has been with the company for 43 years.

He believes his greatest achievement has been expanding the company to become a global player, creating jobs, and increasing shareholder wealth. He says his experience in building a business overseas could be of use to emerging firms.

Nuplex is reviewing whether to shift its head office to Australia, and possibly reducing its New Zealand operations due to a shrinking customer base.