Major General joins the ranks

A former Major General is set to join the ranks at Marlborough District Council after being appointed as the new chief executive.

John Boswell is set to start at council on 1 August to replace outgoing CEO Mark Wheeler.

The announcement follows a national advertising campaign which saw 46 candidates apply.

Mayor Nadine Taylor says John’s expertise and knowledge impressed straight away.

“John impressed us straight away with his vision, strategic thinking, leadership skills and extensive experience of running a large, complex, people-focused organisation.

“He also has a good knowledge of Marlborough’s issues and opportunities and how local government works.”

John’s previous roles include Director of Army Training, Chief Staff Officer Operational Plans and Head of Strategy Management. He holds masters’ degrees in Management, Defence Studies and Philosophy.

His appointment will mean a move to Marlborough for him and his wife, a place he has enjoyed visiting in the past.

“John joins us after a very successful military career, reaching the position of Major General and Chief of Army, the most senior officer in the New Zealand Army,” Nadine explains.

“John wants to continue to serve the public in a positive values-based organisation after his impressive career in the Army.

“He brings a collaborative and empathetic leadership style as well as strong communication skills which I know will work well for Council and the Marlborough community.

“He and his wife will be moving to Marlborough, a place they have explored as visitors, and love.”

Mayor Taylor said 46 applications were received from around New Zealand.

“We had an extraordinarily high calibre of candidates - Marlborough District Council has a great reputation and Marlborough, as we all know, is beautiful, has fantastic public facilities and is just a great place to live. All councillors were involved in the recruitment and appointment process.”

“My sincere thanks to Mark Wheeler who is retiring. Mark has been an outstanding chief executive since 2015, and prior to that was deputy chief executive and assets and services manager from 1998.”