* The Restaurant Association of New Zealand's new chief executive is Alistair Rowe. He replaces Neville Waldren who held the position for 24 years.
* The British High Commission has announced the appointment of Alister James as the new United Kingdom Honorary Consul in Christchurch. James, a barrister, has an
extensive background in law and community service. He has also been a city councillor and a member of the Canterbury United Council.
* OMFinancial has appointed Kevin O'Sullivan as head of its Futures desk. Before joining the firm he worked at Salomon Smith Barney and Credit Suisse First Boston.
* Rental Equipment firm Hirepool has appointed Taryn Storey as executive assistant - sales and marketing.
* Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute Forest Research has appointed Dr Tom Richardson as its new chief executive. Dr Richardson will take up his role on April 1, replacing Bryce Heard.
* Flight Centre has appointed John McGuinness as communications manager, responsible for Flight Centre, Sir George Seymour and FCm Travel Solutions. McGuinness has been working in media and communications roles.
* Jon Lester fills the new position of account manager at the Youth Hostel Association.
* Insolvency and recovery firm McDonald Vague has appointed two new partners: Peri Finnigan and Boris van Delden. They have both been insolvency managers with the firm since 2001.
* Steve Aburn is the latest appointment to the Pod senior management board. Aburn joins the fashion management group as human resources manager.