The University of Otago has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer | Te Pou Tahua, following Sharon van Turnhout's planned retirement.
Brian Trott
Brian Trott, the current Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Universal College of Learning | Te Pūkenga, in Palmerston North, will take up the role on 6 June.
Mr Trott is a Chartered Accountant by profession and has more than 25 years' experience across education, central and local government, commerce, and chartered accountancy roles.
He is excited about making the move to Dunedin and the opportunities his new role will present.
“I get a great sense of energy when I can relate my work to the improvement in wellbeing of the communities we serve, and I am highly motivated to work for an organisation that is held in such high regard as the University of Otago.
“I thrive on challenges and view the University's current situation as a unique opportunity to make a difference.”
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Nicholson is thrilled to be able to welcome someone of Mr Trott's calibre to the University.
“While I acknowledge he is joining us during a difficult financial period, I know he is bringing a wealth of experience to the role which will fare us well.
Sharon van Turnhout
“I also want to thank Sharon for her dedication to the University over the past nine years. We have benefited from the skill and compassion she brought to the position, and I know the University community wishes her all the very best for her retirement.”
Ms van Turnhout says she is leaving Otago with mixed feelings.
“I graduated from the Business School back in the 1980s and I have been incredibly proud to have had the responsibility to act as the Chief Financial Officer for our University. I am looking forward to spending time with my mother, and enjoying the adventures we have planned, but I will also be very sad to leave.
“Brian comes to us with extensive experience in similarly challenging roles, and I know he is looking forward to living in one of the world's best small cities. I wish him all the best, and I'm confident that he will provide the financial leadership we need to continue to respond to the environmental challenges we face,” she says.
Ms Van Turnhout announced her departure in October 2022 and has extended her retirement date to June.