Callaghan Innovation’s interim Chief Executive, Stefan Korn, has been appointed as its next Chief Executive.
The Callaghan Innovation Board has appointed Stefan Korn as its next Chief Executive.
Korn has been the organisation’s Chief Product Officer since 2021 and stepped into the interim Chief Executive role in July when previous Chief Executive Vic Crone departed. Prior to joining the executive leadership team, Korn was a member of the Callaghan Innovation Board for three years.
Prior to joining Callaghan Innovation, Korn was CEO of Creative HQ. He has also launched and developed numerous successful business ventures, many of which are now operating in Australia, the US and Europe. Korn has a PhD in Neural Networks/Artificial Intelligence and an MBA in International Business.
Callaghan Innovation Board Chair Pete Hodgson says the Board is delighted to be able to appoint Korn to the permanent Chief Executive role.
“Stefan has done an outstanding job in the interim role since he stepped up in July. He is a seasoned leader – an experienced executive, corporate strategist and entrepreneur. He has an impeccable track record of delivering outstanding customer focus and in building teams that can take an organisation to the next level.
“As New Zealand’s innovation agency, Callaghan Innovation has an important mandate to activate innovation and accelerate the commercialisation of Kiwi businesses to help them grow faster. The organisation has been through a period of immense change to ensure it is in the best possible position to serve its customers. Now, as we look ahead to the next five years and beyond, Stefan is the ideal leader to move the business forward and ensure it continues to play a key role in supporting New Zealand’s thriving innovation ecosystem.”
The appointment is effective from Wednesday 21 September 2022.
Notes to editors
For more information please contact media@callaghaninnovation.govt.nz or call the media team on 027 291 9604.
About Callaghan Innovation
Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand’s innovation agency. The organisation’s primary mandate is to activate innovation and accelerate commercialisation to help businesses grow faster for a better New Zealand.
The government agency partners with ambitious businesses of all sizes, delivering a range of innovation and research and development (R&D) services to suit each stage of their growth. Callaghan Innovation’s staff empower innovators by connecting people, opportunities and networks, and providing tailored technical solutions, skills and capability development programmes, and grants co-funding.
Callaghan Innovation also enhances the operation of New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem, working closely with MBIE, NZTE, NZGCP, Crown Research Institutes, and other organisations that help increase business investment in R&D and innovation. The agency operates from four urban offices and a regional partner network in a further 12 locations across Aotearoa.
Gracefield Innovation Quarter is home to more than 200 of New Zealand’s leading scientists, researchers and technicians, along with a suite of tenant businesses. The site features state-of-the-art specialist workshops, pilot plants, labs and equipment, and world-class measurement facilities.
For more information visit www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz
