Formed in July 2025 through the merger of GNS Science and NIWA, Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) brings together around 1,100 people with leading expertise across earth, environmental, atmospheric, freshwater and marine sciences. It applies science, data and technology to New Zealand’s critical challenges - from natural hazards and climate resilience to energy and healthy ecosystems - turning insight into practical outcomes for a safer, stronger and more prosperous Aotearoa New Zealand.

ESNZ is now moving beyond its initial merger to build a more integrated, agile and commercially sustainable organisation. Its new operating model connects customer and partner needs with multidisciplinary science, scalable data and digital solutions. ESNZ is focused on developing stronger partnerships, innovation, diversified revenue and greater value from its science, intellectual property and assets.

Three new Executive Leadership Team (ELT) roles have been established to help drive this transformation through collaborative, enterprise-wide leadership. As the leader of ESNZ’s ‘Scaling Engine’, the Chief Data & Digital Solutions Officer leads over 400 staff and is accountable for enterprise-wide data, digital and technology capability that enables performance and delivery, resilience and sustainable growth.

If appointed you will work closely with the Chief Executive and leadership team colleagues, supporting mission and flagship delivery, transforming ESNZ’s scientific, data and digital capabilities into scalable products and services that deliver decision-ready insight, increase impact, accelerate innovation and create new revenue streams.

Working across ESNZ,



you will lead a broad portfolio spanning data products, AI, high-performance computing, national databases, monitoring and forecasting, remote sensing and core digital infrastructure. With a focus on commercialising data assets, intellectual property and technology-enabled solutions, priorities include integrating and scaling platforms and data networks, including GeoNet and, over time, MetService capability.

To be credible for this role, you will have the ability to build enterprise-wide capability and align strategy, investment, innovation and delivery to achieve long-term organisational goals. You will also offer:

- Executive-level experience leading advanced technology at scale, across data, digital, monitoring, forecasting or product-based environments.

- Strong business acumen, ideally with experience commercialising services, data, products or intellectual property, to generate sustainable growth.

- Leadership exposure in commercially accountable roles, with responsibility for performance, growth, investment decisions and resource allocation.

- Experience leading change, including the successful integration of technologies.

- Ability to engage credibly with government, industry and other customers, building partnerships that deliver organisation-wide outcomes.

- Team-oriented, empowering leadership that builds trust, connects disciplines and delivers enterprise-wide results.

There is a preference for this role to be Wellington-based.

Confidential enquiries and applications should be directed to Joanna de Wilde or Guy Brew at Ichor Leadership Search by 5.00pm on Friday 6 November. Contact us via email at ••••@ichor.co.nz or telephone: +64 • ••• •230.

📌 Chief Data & Digital Solutions Officer (Sydney)
🏢 Ichor Leadership Search
📍 Sydney