The Commerce Commission welcomes the announcement today, by Commerce Minister Simon Power, of the appointment of a new Chair, Dr Mark Berry.

Dr Berry, a specialist in competition law and economic regulation, has previously been a Deputy Chair of the Commission between 1999 and 2001.

"Dr Berry's professional experience and background with the Commission ensures he is well placed to smooth the transition as he takes up the reins at the Commission," said Commerce Commission Chief Executive Nicholas Hill.

"The Commission is also fortunate to have an experienced team of Commissioners, supported by a committed team of staff, which will assist the transition."

Dr Berry will take over as Chair on 1 April, with Paula Rebstock's term expiring on 31 March.

"The Commerce Commission wishes to acknowledge the enormous contribution Paula Rebstock has made during her 11 years of dedicated service," said Mr Hill.

"Her leadership has been unflinching, her workload has been tremendous, and her total commitment to and belief in the benefits for business and consumers of competitive markets has been constant."

"There have been many significant investigations and decisions during Ms Rebstock's tenure, but her legacy will be the tenacious reputation of the Commission as a competition law enforcer and regulator, which she has built during her term as Chair, and the standing in which the Commission is held by its international competition counterparts."

The Commission will be making no further comment at this time.

Background

Paula Rebstock joined the Commerce Commission in 1998 as an associate member. She became Deputy Chair in 2001, Acting Chair in early 2003 and was appointed Chair in December 2003.

During her time at the Commerce Commission key achievements included:

  • Regulating aspects of the telecommunication, electricity, gas and dairy industries.
  • Declining the merger of Qantas and Air New Zealand.
  • The prosecution of banks for undisclosed credit card fees, resulting in almost $25 million being returned to customers.
  • The prosecution of a cartel in the wood chemicals industry, and proceedings against alleged cartels in the air cargo and cardboard box industries.
  • Prosecutions for misleading advertising including airline 'fuel surcharges' and Ribena vitamin C claims.