Dr Pim Borren starts in the position next week following the resignation of Sarah Gardner, who left the organisation last month.
His appointment was confirmed by councillors in an emergency meeting yesterday.
A regional council spokesman said Dr Borren had more than 27 years of experience in corporate, local government, tertiary education and private sector economics.
The search for a permanent chief executive would be undertaken by the new council following local body elections in October. The interim role was for approximately nine months, or until a permanent chief executive was appointed.
Previously, Dr Borren acted as interim chief executive for Ospri NZ and joint chief executive for New Zealand Bus and Coach. as well as the New Zealand Rental Vehicle Association.
From 2014-2018 he was chief executive of the Masterton District Council.
Most recently, he acted as chief economist to the government of the Cook Islands, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During that time the country’s economy, which was 85% reliant on international travel, was decimated.
Dr Borren was responsible for the Pacific island nation's 021-2022 budget and his responsibilities in its economic planning division included all economic planning, modelling and forecasting. He oversaw the country’s economic response plan and economic recovery road map.
During the Covid border closures, he implemented successful business support programmes, working closely with a private sector taskforce to help keep businesses afloat and retain labour.
From 2011-2013 he was chief executive of the Southbank Institute of Technology in Brisbane.
Earlier, he was chief executive of the Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua.
Dr Borren earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and Master of Commerce in economics from the University of Canterbury, as well as a PhD in economics from Lincoln University.
His current affiliations included being a member of the Institute of Directors, NZ Association of Economists and Society of Local Government Managers.
