New CEO in Place at Pukeko Pictures

WELLINGTON: Pukeko Pictures has appointed Clive Spink to replace Andrew Smith as the company’s CEO.

Spink has served as the chief operating officer at Pukeko Pictures for more than a year. He is expected to continue to promote the company’s business growth. Smith is leaving the company in August to take on the role of CEO of Touchtech, a mobile, web and cloud software developer.

Before joining Pukeko Pictures, Spink most recently worked in the IT and telecommunications industries, where he headed the commercial team responsible for Vodafone New Zealand’s Enterprise customers. He also served as the finance director for Unisys New Zealand, in addition to running their Australian commercial team. Spink developed broadcasting and production experience during his time at Television New Zealand’s local production company Kotuku Productions, and he was also the commercial manager at TVNZ’s TV One.

Sir Richard Taylor, the founder and director of Pukeko Pictures, commented: “In his year with Pukeko Pictures Clive has demonstrated a considerable understanding of the local and international business landscape. We are thrilled to see him transition into the role of chief executive officer. Clive will be instrumental in driving the business forward and ensuring our production presence locally and internationally. It is also a sad time for Pukeko Pictures as we say farewell to Andrew. Starting with his first role with Weta Workshop in 1997, Andrew has made a tremendous contribution to the Weta Workshop/Pukeko Pictures fold for the past 18 years. Pukeko Pictures initially commenced as an initiative within Weta Workshop and latterly as a standalone entity. In his time with Pukeko Pictures Andrew has been instrumental in positioning the company as a producer of high quality and globally relevant content. We wish him the best in his next endeavors.”

“I am looking forward to stepping into the role of chief executive officer and furthering my relationships with local and international partners and broadcasters,” said Spink. “It is an exciting time to be at Pukeko Pictures and I am committed to continue delivering the world class content our company has become globally known for in the preschool, kids and family and drama spaces. I wish Andrew the best for his future.”

Smith added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as CEO of Pukeko Pictures, particularly the experience gained as producer on The WotWots and executive producer of Thunderbirds Are Go. I am thrilled to have been a part of Pukeko Pictures’ growth and development in the international entertainment industry especially on the licensing side of the business as well as broadening our international partner relationships. I am looking forward my next chapter and congratulate Clive on his new role.”