Dr Linda Sissons appointed Acting Chief Executive of Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao

Dr Sissons will take over following the departure of Amanda Malu, who has been appointed Secretary for Children and Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children.

ENZ Board Chair Tony Gray said Dr Sissons’ experience as an education sector leader and her previous tenure as acting Chief Executive make her well placed to lead ENZ as it continues delivering the International Education Going for Growth Plan.

“Many in the international education community will know Dr Sissons from her time on the ENZ Board.

“Her understanding of both ENZ’s strategic and operational goals and her experience leading the organisation as acting Chief Executive makes her well placed to lead ENZ at this time,” Tony said.

Dr Sissons has previously served as Chief Executive of UCOL, WelTec and Primary ITO. She also served two terms as Chair of the Board of Governors for the Commonwealth of Learning, an intergovernmental agency delivering technology‑mediated learning for sustainable development across the Commonwealth.

The ENZ Board commenced recruitment for a new Chief Executive in December.

“Between now and Amanda’s departure date, we will be working to ensure a smooth transition,” Tony said.

The Board would like to take the opportunity again to acknowledge Amanda’s significant contribution to ENZ and the international education sector during her time as Chief Executive.