Vbase Venue Management Group appoints Bryan Pearson chief executive

15 February 2006

Christchurch-based businessman Bryan Pearson has been appointed chief executive of Vbase Venue Management Group Ltd.  He starts work on 1 March 2006.

Vbase manages the Christchurch Convention Centre, Westpac Centre for Sport and Entertainment and the Christchurch Town Hall. The new CEO role includes responsibility for Jade Stadium, which is being integrated with the other venues.

The integration of the four venues results from the purchase last year of the 50 per cent shareholding held by the Thai partners in the private venue management company previously known as NCC (NZ) Ltd by Christchurch City Council subsidiary, Christchurch City Facilities Ltd (CCFL). In September the company name was changed to Vbase. Jade Stadium is owned by Jade Stadium Ltd, a subsidiary of Christchurch City Council.

Vbase board chairman Bruce Irvine, who also chairs Jade Stadium Ltd and CCFL, says Mr Pearson brings a range of high-level business skills to the company which will greatly enhance the integration of the venues. 

“He has excellent strategic planning skills, proven business development acumen, a private enterprise performance focus and expertise in change leadership,” Mr Irvine says. 

Bryan Pearson (42) is non executive chairman of Swanndri NZ Ltd and a non executive director of J Ballantyne & Co Ltd. He will retain these roles.

Mr Pearson began his career in Christchurch.  He has worked extensively in the apparel and retail sectors on both sides of the Tasman in senior corporate roles with an international focus.  Immediately prior to returning to Christchurch in 2003 he was a general manager with Sydney-based Pacific Brands. Since then he has pursued private business interests.

Mr Irvine says the organisation has been greatly assisted by the positive and capable leadership shown by Finance and Administration Director Brent Ford as acting CEO since 23 December.

“We are now well positioned to take this organisation forward into new areas, with strategic management of a unique combination of assets. This has been made all the easier by Brent’s enthusiastic management over the last couple of months," Mr Irvine says. "The organisations are in good shape and ready for Bryan to come on board and take us to a new level.”

Top of Page ~ Media Release index