Dr Lesley McTurk, the Christchurch City Council’s new Chief Executive Officer, started in her new position this month. She has taken over from Mike Richardson, who decided he would not seek reappointment after completing two five-year terms as CCC City Manager.

A special committee of the Council was put together to undertake the search for a new CEO, with its recommendation being confirmed by a vote of the full Council.

Dr McTurk was director of hospital services for Southern Cross Heathcare throughout New Zealand. She has a PhD from the University of Glasgow and BA and MBA degrees from the University of Auckland.