New Connexis Chief Executive Peter Benfell is joining the organisation at a time of major growth and investment for the Infrastructure industry and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
Connexis is the Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation (ITO) and its role is vital to ensure the country’s continued growth over the coming years. The industry is predicted to require an additional 21,000 workers within Civil Construction, Electricity Supply, Telecommunications and 3Waters (water treatment, wastewater, water reticulation) over the next three years and Connexis is key to supporting the industry in providing skilled workers to fill the jobs.
Peter Benfell takes up his position early next month and says, “I’m passionate about the vital role the Infrastructure sector has in New Zealand and how important this is in building and maintaining a strong and vibrant society and economy.
“Vocational education and life-long learning are crucial to the success of the industries and we live in a fast-paced world, with exponential change. Connexis has a key leadership role in effectively dealing with and harnessing this change.”
Connexis Board Chair Frances Hague says, “Peter’s experience in the Infrastructure sector as the leader of the Research Team at Opus combined with his collaborative leadership style will bring real value to our employees, the organisation and benefits to our sector. His enthusiasm for people combined with his innovative approach will help shape our strategic direction and growth in a time of significant investment in our sector.”
Peter’s previous roles include Director of Innovation and Research at Opus International Consultants, an Infrastructure consultancy firm, for the past 6 years. Here he led Opus’ R&D team of 50 and was responsible for Opus’ research and innovation activities globally.
Prior to this Peter was General Manager, Agriculture & Environment at AgResearch, leading a nationwide team of 300 scientists and technical staff. Peter is a chemical and materials engineer with more than 30 years’ experience and has held general management roles in the private sector and government agencies.
