Plunket chief executive set to leave

Paul Baigent is leaving after a decade as chief executive with the Royal NZ Plunket Society.

Plunket president, Carol Becker, said the society was indebted to Mr Baigent for leading the society’s 1,000 clinical, management and support staff and extensive volunteer network.

“In his time with Plunket Mr Baigent has shown huge dedication and commitment to families and children in NZ – and has been instrumental in helping the organisation to grow and develop towards achieving its vision.

“He leaves with a comprehensive plan in place to see us through the next five years, a strong and vibrant team, and the exciting opportunity to do even more for families and children in NZ.

“During his tenure Plunket has significantly increased its support for families with young children continued and strengthened its position as the nation’s largest Well Child provider; celebrated its centenary; launched PlunketLine in-house; and successfully met the enormous challenges of working within a changing health sector.

“Mr Baigent has been instrumental in developing the Five Years for Under Fives strategy that will double support for families in the next five years.

“His managerial and business skills in health and social services, and previous experience in the agri-business sector, will be well utilised in his future career developments,” she said.

Mr Baigent will leave Plunket in April. Mrs Becker said a recruitment search for a new chief executive was underway.