Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) today announced the appointment of two new members to the APO Board.
Board Chairman Geraint Martin has welcomed the appointments of Auckland business executives Lope Ginnen and Kim McWilliams to add to the depth of leadership within the APO Board. On the eve of the APO’s 2018 Season Launch, Mr Martin says the appointments signal a strong growth phase for the orchestra.
“The APO continues to reach into every corner of Auckland with an increasingly busy and diverse concert season and education programme,” says Mr Martin. “Lope and Kim both bring a unique set of skills and experiences that will elevate our already diverse board, and contribute to the orchestra’s role as one of the country’s leading performing arts organisations.”
Lope Ginnen is a barrister specialising in family law, and balances her legal practice with corporate governance work. She is an independent director and Chairperson of Ngati Whatua Orakei Whai Maia Limited, the hapu’s tribal development company; a trustee of Emerge Aotearoa, which provides services to people affected by disability, mental illness or alcohol and other drug addictions; and a director of Vaka Tautua, a Pacific health support service provider. She is a trustee of Brainwave Trust Aotearoa, and is a member of the community advisory group of the Alcohol and other Drug Treatment Courts and the independent advisory group to Precision Driven Health
Ms Ginnen says her family has a keen interest in music. “My son is an accomplished amateur pianist, and that love of music has been passed down from my father. Music, and the love of music can be transformational and I value the contribution that the APO makes to the wider Auckland community. I look forward to working with the Board as the APO continues to go from strength to strength,” she says.
Kim McWilliams is Director of Private Wealth Network New Zealand and outgoing Executive Director of Auckland Medical Research Foundation. She has a strong background in commercial marketing, public relations and philanthropy, and is a member of the NZ Institute of Directors, Philanthropy New Zealand, and the Fundraising Institute of New Zealand. She has also held board roles within Philanthropy NZ, New Zealand Red Cross, and Life Education Trust. Beyond her extensive governance and directorship experience, Ms McWilliams is also fluent in Japanese, and proficient in Korean, French and German.
Ms McWilliams says the APO is an exciting and dynamic organisation. “I’ve been following the APO for many years and I am pleased to deepen my connection with the arts and contribute to the next phase of growth for the orchestra,” she says. Ms McWilliams will serve as an additional co-opted member of the Board.
APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser says she is delighted to have two prominent female business figures joining the Board. “Lope and Kim have a wealth of expertise in their respective fields and will be wonderful assets to the APO as our impact throughout the city and beyond its borders continues to grow.” Ms Glaser says.
Lope Ginnen and Kim McWilliams join Chairman Geraint Martin, Deputy Chair Penelope Peebles, and Board members Richard Ebbett, Neil Haines, Kieran Raftery, Julian Smith, Leigh Auton and Eric Renick.