• Independent CEO role with strong Board engagement and public trust mandate
• Operates at intersection of consumer protection, industry and regulation
• Mature organisation with clear mandate and experienced internal team

Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR) is New Zealand’s independent telecommunications dispute resolution scheme. It plays a critical role in ensuring fair outcomes for consumers while supporting confidence, accountability, and trust across the telecommunications sector. 

TDR is well established and widely respected. It operates within a clearly defined mandate that requires independence, procedural integrity, and balanced judgment. The Board is seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer to lead TDR through its next phase and to continue to uphold the standards on which its reputation has been built. 
 

The Chief Executive Officer is accountable to the Board for the overall leadership, performance, and integrity of TDR. 

This includes responsibility for the effective operation of the dispute resolution scheme, the stewardship of TDR’s independence and credibility, and the delivery of outcomes that are fair, timely, and robust. The CEO works closely with the Board to support sound governance, provide clear advice, and ensure the organisation remains well positioned within its broader regulatory and industry environment. 

The role involves working with outsourced contracted teams to ensure the effective day to day delivery of dispute resolution services, with a focus on continuous improvement across both operational performance and supporting organisational processes. The Chief Executive must be comfortable leading through influence, setting clear expectations, and maintaining accountability where delivery is shared. 

The role requires the ability to operate confidently in complex and, at times, contested settings. The Chief Executive balances consumer expectations, industry obligations, and public interest considerations, often without simple or binary answers. Decisions are expected to withstand scrutiny and be grounded in principle, evidence, and sound process. 

In addition, the CEO leads and develops a small, experienced internal team, maintains strong financial and risk discipline, and represents TDR with professionalism and authority in senior stakeholder forums when required. 

The person 

The Board is seeking a Chief Executive with the maturity, judgment, and credibility to lead an organisation where trust and independence are central. 

You are likely to bring senior executive or chief executive experience from a regulated, public interest, or governance led environment. You will be comfortable working closely with a Board, operating within clear accountability frameworks, and engaging with senior stakeholders across industry, government, and regulatory settings. 

You will be known for your sound judgment, calm leadership style, and ability to navigate complexity without losing sight of purpose. Personal integrity, discretion, and the confidence to act independently are essential. Sector background is less important than your ability to lead with credibility and balance. 

Appointment process  

IN SIDE Recruitment has been appointed to support the Board with this search. 

All enquiries and applications will be managed in confidence. A detailed candidate brief is available upon request. 

For a confidential conversation, please contact: