10 Nov 2014

Te Papa appoints new chief executive

12:23 pm on 10 November 2014

The national museum Te Papa has named Rick Ellis as its new chief executive.

Mr Ellis was chief executive of Television New Zealand for a decade years and most recently headed Telstra Media in Sydney.

Rick Ellis has been appointed Te Papa chief executive.

Rick Ellis has been appointed Te Papa chief executive. Photo: Te Papa

He also had earlier roles as chief executive officer of Ansett New Zealand and managing director of EDS New Zealand.

The museum's previous head, Michael Houlihan, moved on in May.

In a statement today, Te Papa said Mr Ellis had led the introduction of digital channels at TVNZ and the push into on-demand online and digital content services. His career in IT spanned over 25 years in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

"His extensive background in digital media offers so much to Te Papa as we extend beyond the walls of our buildings, said Te Papa Chairman Evan Williams.

"He has a passion for making Te Papa available for everyone in New Zealand and he has also accepted our brief to build a succession plan based on fostering New Zealand-based talent.

"While Mr Ellis has not worked in the museums sector, we believe his time at TVNZ is particularly relevant, leading a public sector organisation responsible for delivering content that is enjoyed and valued by New Zealanders and working with creative teams and cultural issues in a very public space.

"With the strength of our excellent curatorial team alongside him, we are confident he will build on Te Papa's existing strengths and take Te Papa to a new level of performance and excellence."

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