Leadership Transition for Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation

Prue Feely News

Connexis, the Infrastructure Industry Training Organisation, today announced a leadership change to continue guiding the organisation through a challenging transition phase.

Connexis Board Chair Brian Warren confirmed that Toby Beaglehole, CEO since 2018, has resigned to take up the role of Chief Executive at BCITO – the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.

The process of integrating into the Government’s Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE), is well underway and due to be completed in late 2021.  The new structure means that Connexis, like other industry training providers, will become part of a new body, Te Pūkenga.

“It’s an important time for Connexis, for its people as well as its industry partners.  We’re sorry to see Toby go, and we’re delighted to have a leader who can slot quickly and capably into what is a complex and challenging time ahead. To this end we’ve appointed one of our experienced Senior Executive Team Kaarin Gaukrodger to CEO effective December 7th,” Brian says.

“Toby’s time at Connexis has been marked by a turnaround in financial performance and successful stewardship through COVID.  He has developed a strong leadership team, and with nearly 6 years experience at Connexis in senior management roles, Kaarin has the knowledge, relationships and experience to guide Connexis through this transition phase.  RoVE is a vision that Connexis fully supports and we are confident that it will further enhance the training opportunities and raise the standards for industry.”

Kaarin says that while there will be challenges as Connexis moves through this change, she is looking forward to working alongside the Infrastructure Industry to transition into what will be a strong training system under the new RoVE structure.

“Our commitment is to make this a smooth transition for our people and ensure our industries continue to have access to the industry training required to meet their workforce needs.  Toby has moved Connexis well down the path of transitioning into the new training body and we wish him the best for his new role.”