There are not many times when New Zealand gets the opportunity to be a global leader.
Leadership and innovation are well recognised as critical to New Zealand’s ability to compete on the global scene. Today NZX announces the appointment of Mark Franklin as CEO of TZ1 - the New Zealand based Carbon Market - along with an outstanding leadership team.
“The most important thing NZX can do here is get the right CEO, free the business to succeed, and hold a high quality team accountable for results,” NZX CEO Mark Weldon.
“Mark Franklin is the perfect CEO for TZ1. He has the right technical background, knowledge, relationships, credibility, strategic skills and drive. Mark chose this position ahead of a number of global roles on offer to him - a choice that reflects his belief in the potential of this market. Mark has a genuine passion and determination to lead an international world-class carbon exchange business based in New Zealand,” said Weldon.
TZ1 CEO Mark Franklin said, “The opportunity to lead TZ1 was one I couldn’t pass up. New Zealand has a real opportunity to act quickly, position itself and fill the gaps that exist in markets both here and overseas.
“In New Zealand we have Kyoto status and an all-sector, all-gases emissions trading scheme in place which really puts us on the map. We have supply of and demand for carbon units ahead of other players.”
Carbon is becoming increasingly important in boardrooms and households alike. Trusted and transparent carbon pricing, together with sound transactional risk management, provides certainty and safety that will better equip everyone as they enter this new market. However, the Asia-Pacific region is currently underserved by robust market infrastructure.
In 2008 TZ1 will have world-leading infrastructure that will perform this role and complement carbon strategies. And the opportunities for TZ1 stretch much further beyond.
“The trading technology is currently in the final stages of testing. The clearing house is well into its establishment phase. The New Zealand Emissions Unit Register already exists, and the regulatory framework has been designed and is at the approvals stage.
“I strongly believe that the TZ1 Market can forge a position as a global leader is this evolving space. TZ1 is positioned to be the only straight-through, transparent and regulated market for carbon credits in the Asia Pacific region and one of only a handful around the world. I plan to build a team and a business around a set of values that supports New Zealand and the carbon market. I look forward to being a part of taking TZ1 forward and generating real momentum,” said Franklin.
Two further appointments to the TZ1 leadership team are also announced today: Helen Robinson and Joanna Silver.
Helen Robinson was Managing Director for Microsoft New Zealand. She is a thought and action leader in the technology field, both locally and internationally. Helen’s key focus in the next 18 months will be the voluntary market, building relationships and developing the brand strategy of TZ1.
Joanna Silver has developed extensive international experience in carbon markets. She has a strong international legal and policy background, helped establish and coordinate the Carbon Market Working Group, and is connected with a network of local and global leaders in the carbon field.
“Mark Weldon said, “NZX has had a team working full time on TZ1 for 18 months, making extensive progress, with market infrastructure and product development already well advanced. Now is the right time to hand over to the new TZ1 team.”
Mark Franklin said, “The TZ1 team understands the critical role of technology, platforms and integration. We also understand that there are a number of other factors, both tangible and intangible, that will be critical to TZ1’s success. Regulated and robust market infrastructure is central to NZX’s core business and TZ1, and ultimately to the success and health of New Zealand’s economy. This infrastructure, along with people, partnerships, a strong brand and a powerful corporate and capital structure is what will set TZ1 apart.”
NZX will remain a cornerstone shareholder as TZ1 forms the strategic international alliances and partnerships key to its success.