WorkSafe NZ appoints new CEO

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WorkSafe NZ Appoints New CEO: Sharon Thompson Named Chief Executive

WorkSafe New Zealand has announced its newest CEO today, with Board Chair Jennifer Kerr confirming Sharon Thompson as the agency's new chief executive. This appointment marks a significant leadership transition for Aotearoa's primary work health and safety regulator.

Who Is WorkSafe's New Chief Executive?

WorkSafe has appointed Sharon Thompson – Chief Executive following an extensive selection process. According to Kerr, Sharon brings substantial experience across both public and private sectors, having led business transformation programs and built motivated teams capable of tackling complex challenges to achieve measurable outcomes.

Her background in organisational management and change leadership positions her well for overseeing New Zealand's workplace health and safety management systems at a national level.

Driving WorkSafe's Strategic Direction

"Sharon is well placed to drive the delivery of WorkSafe's new strategy and operating plan, which sets out how we will undertake our role as Aotearoa New Zealand's primary work health and safety regulator," says Jennifer Kerr.

This strategy encompasses several critical areas of workplace safety oversight, including:

• Strengthening safety management frameworks across high-risk industries
• Improving oversight of hazardous substances handling and storage
• Supporting construction and hospitality sector compliance with health and safety obligations
• Enhancing regulatory engagement with businesses managing hazardous work environments

Effective safety management remains central to WorkSafe's mandate, particularly within construction, manufacturing and other sectors where risk exposure runs high. Sharon's transformation experience should support stronger safety outcomes across these industries.

Transition From Interim Leadership

Jennifer Kerr confirmed that Steve Haszard, who served as interim chief executive, has finished the key responsibilities assigned to him by the Board during his tenure. His leadership provided stability while WorkSafe searched for its permanent chief executive officer.

Organisations seeking guidance on compliance obligations can review our Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand (FAQ's) resource for further clarity on regulatory requirements.

What This Means for Workplace Safety Management

Businesses operating in construction, healthcare and manufacturing sectors should watch closely as Sharon Thompson settles into her new chief executive role. Strong leadership at WorkSafe directly influences how safety management standards get enforced and communicated to industry.

Companies managing hazardous materials or high-risk construction projects benefit from robust safety management systems that align with WorkSafe's evolving strategy. Reviewing your organisation's HSW Manual for New Zealand ensures your safety management practices stay current with regulatory expectations.

For businesses needing updated documentation, our safe work method statement templates support compliant construction site management under New Zealand's health and safety framework.

Related Leadership Appointments

This appointment follows a broader pattern of leadership renewal across Australasian safety regulators. Readers may also find our coverage of WorkSafe Victoria's new CEO announcement relevant, alongside our earlier report on when WorkSafe New Zealand appointed its previous boss.

Similarly, our article on the newly named WA WorkSafe commissioner highlights ongoing shifts in regulatory leadership focused on strengthening safety management standards nationwide.

Detailed information can be found here.

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