Richard Timpany has been appointed chief executive of the Hunter Downs Development Company (HDDC) and Hunter Downs Irrigation Ltd (HDIL).
The latter company was formed in April last year as the entity through which investors would fund the design, consenting, construction and operation of a proposed irrigation scheme to water up to 40,000ha in a 60,000ha command area from Waimate to Otipua.
The development company was then formed with HDIL and Meridian Energy to manage and undertake design, consent and land access work.
On June 9, Mr Timpany took over from Brian Ellwood, who chose not to retain that role but to continue as the irrigation scheme's project manager.
Mr Ellwood had been instrumental in its progress to date, representatives of the two Hunter Downs companies said.
Accomplishments included raising capital from the farming community and securing funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries' Irrigation Acceleration Fund and Meridian Energy.
Subject to the scheme being proven to be technically and commercially viable, construction could begin in late 2016 and be finished by the end of 2019.
Mr Timpany brings experience of Central Otago irrigation schemes, where he was involved in legal and financial structuring, consenting, property access, and farmer and community liaison.
Before that, he worked in capital market positions in London, Sydney and Auckland.
Mr Timpany said the Hunter Downs scheme could contribute greatly to the region's future.
''I am proud to have grown up in Timaru, I am passionate about the South Canterbury area and the benefits of having reliable irrigation.
''This role offers a great opportunity to make a real impact on the economic, environmental and social well-being of South Canterbury as a whole.''
HDDC chair Jo Brosnahan and HDIL chair Andrew Fraser said they were ''thrilled'' to have Mr Timpany on board.
''He brings a range of skills and an ability to connect with the local community,'' they said in a joint statement.
- by Sally Brooker