Dr Lesley McTurk has been appointed the new Chief Executive of Christchurch City Council. She will replace Mike Richardson, who has decided not to seek reappointment after completing two five-year terms.

Dr McTurk will take up her position on the expiry of Mr Richardson’s term on 1 July.

Dr McTurk, 49, formerly director of Hospital Services for Southern Cross Healthcare throughout New Zealand, has a PhD from the University of Glasgow and BA and MBA degrees from the University of Auckland.

Mayor Garry Moore says Dr McTurk was attracted to Christchurch because of the good reputation and ethical standing of the City Council. The Council’s selection panel was attracted by her strong ethical values and sound business expertise, including significant experience in change management and visionary leadership.

Dr McTurk says she is looking forward to taking on the role and moving south. “I will be joining the many New Zealanders migrating south to experience the real New Zealand,” she says.

“Christchurch is a stunning city, a city with a robust infrastructure and it is in sound financial health, so there is wide scope to add real value and enhance people's lives.

”I look forward to looking outwards and strengthening links with the business community, as well as looking inwards and working with Council staff to provide excellence in customer service to the community.”