EIT Executive

EIT is led by the Chief Executive, Lucy Laitinen and the Executive Leadership Team:

• Robin Fabish: Executive Director, Māori
• Helen Ryan-Stewart: Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science
• John West: Executive Dean, Commerce & Technology
• Ondene van Dulm: Executive Director, Student & Academic Services
• Philippa Jones: Executive Director, International
• Tracey Tangihaere: Executive Director, Tairawhiti Campus
• Glen Harkness: Executive Director, Operations.
• Patrick Jones: Executive Director, Portfolio & Performance
• Victor Saywell: Executive Director, Finance

EIT Council

DAVID PEARSON (CHAIR)
David brings over 40 years of experience in business advisory and governance, supporting organisations to achieve sustainable growth through strategic planning and practical solutions. A Chartered Accountant and Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand, David has worked extensively with national and international businesses, with strong ties to the wine industry and health sector.

David also has a long-standing connection with education. He served on the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) Council for 15 years, from 2003, including 13 years as Chair, guiding the institute through significant expansion and change. His leadership helped strengthen EIT’s role as a key regional education provider. In 2025, David was appointed Chair of the Establishment Advisory Group, overseeing its transition back to autonomy, and subsequently was appointed Chair of the new EIT Council.

CHRIS COLLINS (DEPUTY CHAIR)

Chris Collins brings extensive leadership experience in tertiary education, having served as Chief Executive of the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) from 2004 to 2022. During his 18-year tenure, he oversaw significant milestones, including the merger of EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti Polytechnic in 2011, the establishment of EIT’s Auckland International Graduate Campus in 2014, and the development of EIT’s strong reputation as a research-focused institute.

Chris also played a key role in national education reforms, serving as Interim Chief Executive of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology during its establishment in 2020. During this time Chris advocated strongly for a regionally-led national network of ITP provision that was grounded in local governance and decision-making. Prior to joining EIT, he spent 17 years in the university sector at Victoria and Massey Universities before moving into senior roles in the institute of technology sector. Chris also currently holds national governance leadership roles in the Private Training Establishment (PTE) sector.

Chris was appointed to the Council in 2025. His leadership has been widely recognised for advancing regional education delivery, fostering Māori participation and success, and strengthening and building international partnerships.

KERRY MARSHALL (MEMBER)

Kerry Marshall served as the long-standing Director of Corporate Services at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), retiring in 2008 after a distinguished career in tertiary education management. In this role, Kerry was responsible for overseeing EIT’s financial, administrative, and operational functions, contributing significantly to the institute’s growth and stability during a period of major development.

Since retiring, Kerry has remained active in governance and community roles, including serving on boards and advisory groups. Kerry was appointed to EIT’s Establishment Advisory Group in 2025, bringing deep institutional knowledge and expertise to support EIT’s transition back to autonomy, and was subsequently appointed to the Council.

TAM JEX-BLAKE (MEMBER)

Tam Jex-Blake is a Gisborne-based sheep and beef farmer and co-founder of Growing Future Farmers, a national training initiative that equips young people with practical agricultural skills.

Tam has a strong background in education and governance, having chaired Te Kura O Manutuke for nine years and later Wanganui Collegiate School, where she oversaw its transition from independence to state-integrated status. She also serves on the Rabobank Client Council and holds an executive role on the Growing Future Farmers board.

Tam was appointed to EIT’s Establishment Advisory Group in 2025, and subsequently to the Council. Tam’s insights in the farming, education, and leadership are valuable in helping EIT strengthen its role in regional development and vocational training.

LUCY LAITINEN (EIT CHIEF EXECUTIVE)

Lucy Laitinen is the Chief Executive of the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), in January 2026 to lead the EIT’s re‑establishment as an independent polytechnic for Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti. She is the former Chief Executive of Anglican Care Waiapu and more recently led the Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency.

Lucy holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Relations from Victoria University of Wellington, and a Master of Philosophy in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge in the UK. Her experience spans complex organisational leadership, community-centred service delivery, and regional development, supporting EIT’s future as a strong, regionally led tertiary education