Otago alumnus appointed

The University of Otago has appointed Philip Kearney to direct its development and alumni relations department when Associate Prof Dave Gerrard steps back next year from his three years in the role.

Mr Kearney, the general manager of education at the New Zealand Charities Commission in Wellington, will take up his new role in February.

An alumnus of the University of Otago, Mr Kearney holds a bachelor of commerce degree in marketing and also has an MBA from Massey University.

Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne said Mr Kearney was selected following an international search.

He will be responsible for heading efforts to build on the university's "Leading Thinkers" advancement campaign, while also overseeing the management of relationships with Otago's 85,000 alumni around the world."

His deep understanding of the charitable sector and demonstrated ability to forge strong relationships across a wide variety of organisations will place him well for this role, which is pivotal to our future development and the relations with the communities we serve," Prof Hayne said.

Prof Hayne paid tribute to Prof Gerrard's "important contributions" as alumni director, who will return to the university's division of health sciences to continue with his "academic endeavours".