Jeff Sissons appointed as NZISM's new CEO

On behalf of the Board of NZISM I’m delighted to confirm the appointment of Jeff Sissons as NZISM’s new CEO. Effective 7th February, Jeff will be joining the team to lead NZISM into its next phase of growth and development.

Jeff brings a range of relevant experience to the role. He comes to NZISM from the Public Service Association where he led their internal and external health and safety work. Prior to that, he worked in the Beehive as a senior advisor to various Ministers, most extensively the Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety.

He has also worked as a lawyer in private practice and as the General Counsel at the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, where he was deeply involved in the health and safety reforms and campaigns led by the late Helen Kelly.

Jeff is a current NZISM member, a HASANZ scholarship recipient, and is at the tail end of his Postgraduate Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety at Victoria University.

He has asked me to pass on a message to you:

"Keeping New Zealand workplaces healthy and safe is critical work. I have witnessed the terrible impact on families, businesses and communities when things go wrong - and the transformative effect on workers and workplace culture when we get it right. The work of NZISM members is fundamental to this but I know can be difficult and undervalued. I want NZISM to provide you with the tools, support and connections that will enable you to do your best work and build your career in health and safety.
I look forward to meeting you and working with you.
Ngā mihi nui"

Jeff’s experience and fresh perspective will be invaluable to NZISM's work this year and I would like to acknowledge our new Principal Partner, edenfx HSE Recruitment, for their work in bringing Jeff and ourselves together. I’m sure you will join me in wishing him every success as he leads NZISM into an exciting new chapter.

Ngā mihi,

Mike Cosman

Chair, NZISM Governance Board