TGH Board chair, Hinerangi Raumati-Tuúa is delighted to welcome Mr West to the TGH whaanau.
“Craig is ideally placed to lead the next chapter of growth for the commercial wealth of Waikato-Tainui and help deliver iwi aspirations set out in Whakatupuranga 2050. His experience with alliance models across the Australasian region will be invaluable for sustaining the partnerships which play a big part in growing our $2.1 billion portfolio spanning property, retail, hotels, natural resources and financial assets,” Ms Raumati-Tuúa says.
Mr West’s appointment was also welcomed by Tukoroirangi Morgan, Chair of Te Arataura (executive committee of Waikato-Tainui).
“As we mark 30 years since the settlement agreement between Waikato-Tainui and the Crown in 1995, it is gratifying to see the quality and experience of Maaori business leaders coming through, and this is another step towards managing our own economic destiny,” says Mr Morgan.
Craig West joins TGH following a two-decade career with Downer Group a major Australasian transport and infrastructure business, where he led a team of more than 4,000 kaimahi across New Zealand and the Pacific, managing a portfolio generating over $1.8bn of annual revenue.
He was most recently Downer’s New Zealand Country Lead and Executive General Manager of Transport & Infrastructure.
His experience includes leading major infrastructure partnerships, commercial turnarounds, and critical disaster responses - including forming the East Coast Alliance following Cyclone Gabrielle.
Beyond his commercial leadership, Craig played a pivotal role in Downer’s Maaori development strategy. He was chair of Te Korowai, Downer NZ’s Māori Advisory Board where he championed initiatives to support Maaori staff into leadership pathways, foster iwi relationships, and deepen cultural identity across the business.
As a Waikato-Tainui tribal member, Mr West says his decision to step into the CEO role at TGH is deeply personal.
“To lead the commercial arm of our iwi is an honour. After years of balancing a trans-Tasman schedule, this return to whenua and whaanau is an opportunity to bring my experience home and work with others to help build long-term intergenerational prosperity for the members of Waikato-Tainui,” says Mr West who formally starts in the new role in September 2025.
Until then, Richard Jefferies will continue in the Acting CEO role.
“The TGH Board greatly appreciates Richard’s continuing service and the way he and the team continue to advance the commercial goals of the organisation through this period of change.”