Sir Robert Stewart, KNZM, has completed his term of six years as yesterday he stepped down from his role as Chair of the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC).
“Sir Robert’s tenure as Chair has given the HRC a new and challenging focus as a key thought leader in the health research sector, and as a result, the HRC has become more active and visible in this regard,” says HRC Chief Executive, Professor Kathryn McPherson.
“I have enjoyed working with, and being challenged by, Sir Robert”, says Professor McPherson. “Sir Robert comes from an independent, entrepreneurial background, and while initially his leadership, focus was very different for the HRC, I think that we, as an organisation, have grown and benefitted from having Sir Robert as our Chair.”
Sir Robert Stewart is a successful manufacturer, innovator, philanthropist and the founder of Christchurch's SKOPE Industries. He is a life member and past President of the Canterbury Manufacturer's Association and is a Fellow of the Institute of Management.
In 1986, Sir Robert was the winner of the Mobil Exporter of the Year award. He was awarded the Ernst & Young Master Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000 and is Patron of the independent Canterbury Medical Research Foundation.
In 2006 Sir Robert was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to manufacturing and the community. He was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2014.
“I will miss Sir Robert’s leadership and advice, and I wish him all the very best for whatever he will do next,” says Professor McPherson.