Kean taking over as Highlanders chairman

THE Highlanders have appointed a new chairman, Peter Kean, to replace former independent chairman Doug Harvie.

Harvie, a principal partner at Dunedinbased accountancy firm Harvie Green Wyatt, has held the position of Highlanders chairman since 2014.

He has overseen some significant accomplishments, ushering in a Highlanders ownership group, capturing a Super Rugby championship in 2015 and playing a major role in securing a licence in perpetuity from New Zealand Rugby to operate the Highlanders in the wider Otago and Southland region.

Harvie is also a former chairman of the Otago union.

Kean was born in Dunedin, raised in Central Otago and schooled in Oamaru.

He attended the University of Otago, and has completed business programmes at Harvard University and Mt Elisa Business School, in Melbourne.

Kean has had extensive corporate experience in New Zealand and internationally, and is a former Lion Nathan chief executive.

He was a New Zealand Rugby director for six years, and purchased a share in the team’s ownership late last year.