Long-serving Taylors Contracting Chair Ian Kearney retires
Long-serving Chair of Taylors Contracting, Ian Kearney ONZOM, has retired from his governance role with the business.
Mr Kearney has been Chair of the award-winning, family-owned company since 2011 and a Director on its board since 2008.
“Ian’s contribution to the growth and success of our business during the past 13 years has been very significant,” says Taylors Contracting’s CEO Charlie Taylor. “His advice has been measured and strategic and he has been hugely supportive of me as CEO. The Taylors family is extremely grateful for everything that he has done for us and for our people.”
Mr Kearney says that he joined the Taylors board because he considered the business to be well managed, with good systems in place.
“The shareholders also recognised the benefit of having some independent views on their business,” says Mr Kearney. “I also like the construction business; you can see the projects you have finished and there is a sense of tangible achievement.
“Health and safety was a strong focus when I first became a Director, well before it became a requirement of legislation. The business also has a strong focus on environmental issues with all projects receiving environmental risk analysis. They have a commitment to using resources wisely.”
Existing Taylors Director Craig Dennis has taken over as Chair of the Taylors Contracting board, with his first meeting as Chair on 26 September 2024.
Mr Dennis has been a Director on the Taylors Board since 2017 and has a corporate accountancy background. He has served as a General Manager and Chief Financial Officer for a number of businesses in the Nelson Tasman region. He has previously served on the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board and was President of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce and held senior management roles in the finance and media sectors.
“Taylors Contracting is a significant company in our region,” says Mr Dennis. “It is involved in tangible projects that matter and make a difference for the communities in which it operates.
“Although Taylors is a large company it continues to hold true to its strong family values, and shows a real concern for its employees and the community and is driven by the commitment to deliver a high quality service. I am honoured to take over as Chair from Ian Kearney and to continue to support the business to achieve its strategic direction.”
