The Chair of the Commerce Commission Dr Mark Berry said he welcomes the appointment of two new Commissioners to assist with the competition agency's high workload.

Susan Begg has been appointed a full commissioner, and Patrick Duignan has been appointed an associate commissioner.

Susan Begg, an economist, has over 20 years experience advising government and corporate clients on regulatory and competition policy issues.

Patrick Duignan is an economist and corporate financier with a background as a senior manager in a network industry, with experience and knowledge of regulatory economics including cost of capital analysis and network economics.

"Both of the new commissioners bring valuable knowledge and expertise that will, in particular, assist the Commission with the very large amount of work to be done in meeting the requirements of the Commerce Amendment Act," said Dr Mark Berry. "The calibre of the appointees is impressive and will complement the strengths of the existing Commission members."

Background

The Commerce Commission is an independent Crown entity. Commission members have both a governance and a decision-making role in the exercise of the Commission's powers and functions.

Susan Begg is a Director and co-founder of the consultancy company Impetus Group Limited. Her previous roles include Vice-President and head of the economic advisory unit of the investment banking division of Credit Suisse First Boston NZ Limited (and its predecessor companies) and Manager of the Macroeconomic Policy section at the Treasury. In her consultancy roles Susan has provided regulatory advice to government and to regulated industries. She was an advisor to the Commerce Commission from 2002 until 2005 on the development of the threshold regime and the Gas Control Inquiry.

Patrick Duignan is Principal and Director at Taylor Duignan Barry Limited and Munro Duignan Limited. His previous roles include General Manager Finance for Telecom Corporation, Director in the Investment Banking Division of CS First Boston NZ Limited, Treasurer of the New Zealand Debt Management Office, and Director Policy Coordination and Development at the Treasury. He is currently an expert (i.e., non-board) member of the ACC Investment Committee. Patrick has undertaken a wide range of financial and economic analyses in both the public and private sectors.