Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Announces New Future Directors Appointment


Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (NZX:FPH, ASX:FPH) announced today that it has selected Rachael Newsome to participate in the Future Directors programme.

Ms Newsome is currently General Counsel and Strategist at Icebreaker, where she manages the business’ legal requirements globally as well as developing and implementing strategic and change projects. Prior to joining Icebreaker in 2014, Ms Newsome worked in New Zealand and the UK in legal, commercial and strategic roles across financial services, banking and education. She was Corporate Counsel at NZX from 2007 to 2011 after commencing her career at Bell Gully. Ms Newsome holds Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) degrees from Victoria University of Wellington.

Administered by the Institute of Directors, the Future Directors initiative gives talented executives exposure to a company board for a year. The scheme is intended to grow the depth of governance experience in New Zealand by assigning future directors to a mentor and allowing them access to board meetings where they observe and participate in discussions. Future Director participants do not have voting rights and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has put procedures in place to prevent them from becoming “deemed directors”. This is the third year Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has participated in the programme.  

Tony Carter, Chairman said, “We are firm supporters of the Future Directors programme, which aims to assist the development of diversity and governance talent in New Zealand. We are delighted to announce Rachael’s selection into the programme and are looking forward to the fresh perspective her international background and experience will bring to our discussions.”

Ms Newsome said, “I am very excited to join Fisher & Paykel Healthcare as a Future Director.  I have a passion for New Zealand companies that take on the world, and am looking forward to learning from a great board and continuing to develop my governance skills through this opportunity.” 

Ms Newsome will take up her role with the company in October 2016 for a 12 month term.


About Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of products and systems for use in respiratory care, acute care, surgery and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.  The company’s products are sold in over 120 countries worldwide.  For more information about the company, visit our website www.fphcare.com.

Contact: Marcus Driller, General Manager Corporate on +64 9 574 0110