Tonkin + Taylor Group Board Chairman Dr Lester Levy’s contributions to New Zealand and the world of commerce are well documented.
They are also richly deserved. He is an astute businessman and leader, but has also long demonstrated a commitment to society and bettering the lives of many in our diverse communities. It is those qualities which make Lester Levy an obvious choice to lead the governance of our group of companies.
Lester’s qualifications are numerous. He is a qualified doctor (MBBCH), a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management (FNZIM) and has a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). His contribution to the health and education sectors in New Zealand, with which he has so long been associated, were recognised when he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2013.
His impressive CV is as long as it is diverse. He was appointed by the government to chair the Auckland and Waitemata District Health Boards, the Health Research Council and Auckland Transport. He is the foundation Head of the New Zealand Leadership Institute at the University of Auckland and Professor (Adjunct) of Leadership at the University of Auckland Business School.
He has extensive management and governance experience in both the public and private sectors. Lester was chief executive of South Auckland Health (now Counties Manukau District Health Board), the New Zealand Blood Service and the Mercy Ascot Hospitals (of which he was a founder).
His previous governance experience includes roles as Chairman of Boards of Directors in the private healthcare, biotechnology and film and television production sectors.
But Lester is perhaps best known for leading a number of organisational performance transformations as a Chief Executive, entrepreneur and Chairman in both the public and private sectors.
Previously seconded to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as an advisor, he was awarded the prestigious King's Fund International Fellowship from the King's Fund in London as well as being made a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management.
