New leader for Waikato Management School in Tauranga.
Dr Fourie has more than 30 years of leadership experience in tertiary education, including as Chief Executive of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology for the past seven years, and more recently as Wintec and Toi Ohomai Transitional Executive Lead for Te Pūkenga.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and Management, Honours in Public Management, and Master of Performance Management from Stellenbosch University, and a PhD from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. He is also a Woolf-Fisher scholar and completed the Senior Executive Educational Leadership programme at Harvard University.
Leon is a PBRF-rated researcher and serves on multiple national and international boards and associations. He is recognised as a values-based and energetic leader who is focused on building strong relationships and partnerships to achieve great results.
Waikato Management School Pro Vice-Chancellor Matt Bolger says Dr Fourie will play a pivotal role in the School’s strategy to grow student enrolments at the Tauranga campus and deepen connections with business and wider stakeholders in the community.
“We’re passionate about empowering people to grow thriving businesses, that are part of a thriving society and natural world. Being able to connect more students from across the Bay of Plenty into our excellent programmes really helps us achieve this.
“We’re delighted to have someone with Leon’s experience and relationships coming on board to help drive this work,” says Matt.
Dr Fourie offers a unique perspective on the key economic development priorities for the Bay of Plenty, drawing from experience collaborating with various corporate sectors and industry leaders, and has extensive networks across industry, government, community and iwi stakeholders.
“Deepening our connection and understanding of the needs of our stakeholders, iwi, partners, community and future learners across the Bay of Plenty will enable us to authentically respond with innovative, tailored products and delivery options that enable growth, opportunity and success for the region.
Dr Fourie will also contribute to teaching for the Master in Business Management, as well as engaging and supporting research across the Division.
Dr Fourie joined the University on 30 January and is based at the Tauranga campus.
