New Manfeild boss plans to expand events
Feilding race track and events venue Manfeild has a new chief executive – Kathy Gibson, a Manawatu¯ corporate and community identity, is taking over the role from September 30.
Gibson replaces Julie Keane, who resigned in May after four years in the position. ‘‘The time has come for Manfeild Park to take its rightful place as a leading sports and events facility in the lower North Island,’’ Gibson said.
She was recently chief executive of Special Olympics New Zealand and spent six years as chief executive of Destination Manawatu¯ , where she promoted Manfeild’s international motorsport capabilities. In 2004 she worked on the formation of the Manfeild Park Trust, of which she has been a member for the past nine months. Her background will help with the development of the venue’s core assets – the stadium, the circuit and the national driver training centre.
Gibson, who was involved in the training centre’s early planning, said recently secured government funding for the centre opened the door to significant opportunity for the region. The training centre helps school-age drivers with licences before they enter the workforce and offers training to operate trucks and specialist machinery. Gibson said she was excited to expand the major events Manfeild holds, particularly in agriculture, equestrian and motorsport.
She spent four years in London as New Zealand trade commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
‘‘I have been working outside the region, in the sports and events sector and with central government for the past 10 years. I have had considerable success in securing new funding in my previous roles [and] I really enjoy the fundraising space,’’ Gibson said.
‘‘More importantly, I have the ability to foster and strengthen key relationships that will certainly help the financial side of Manfeild Park moving forward.’’
She said the national events game was competitive, so Manfeild needed to use its strengths to attract more business.
Manfeild chairman Gordon Smith said the board went through a robust recruitment process. ‘‘Gibson has excellent skills in event management, sports and commerce and holds a bachelor of science and postgraduate diplomas in investment and finance and business administration.
‘‘She has excellent relationships with local and central government.’’