From NZ Manufacturer, October 2023

Catherine Lye is the first Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed cross-sector incorporated society, Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa (AMA).

The AMA is industry driven and represents manufacturing across the country to help deliver business-led Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) outcomes.

Catherine has been the Head of Manufacturing and Export Communities at the 7,100-member Employers and Manufacturers Association for the past two years. As part of that she has guided the Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Following a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing and Finance, Catherine held numerous marketing and export-focused roles in local and international companies, rising to Chief Impact Officer for ExportNZ.

AMA Interim Chairperson, Daryl French, says there were a number of high-calibre applicants generated from external advertising, but that Catherine quickly emerged as the best person for the role.

“She has such a deep knowledge of the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation Plan and understanding of the issues faced by the sector, as well as a practical understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies,” he says.

“One of the keys to the success of this role is building and nurturing relationships with Government agencies, industry partners, research institutions and businesses to engage, influence and inspire them to collaborate for the best outcomes for the sector, and I have absolute confidence that she will deliver to that.”

Catherine will work alongside the interim AMA Board, which includes:

• Daryl French, Interim Chairperson, and independent Director of four manufacturing companies.
• Rod De Spong, Chief Operating Officer, Douglas Pharmaceuticals
• Phill Patton, Senior Executive, Datacom
• Rachel Barker, Chief Executive Officer, Plastics NZ
• Glenn Hansen, Group Financial Controller, Vortex Engineering Group.

Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa (AMA) is the umbrella organisation leveraging business networks to implement ITP priorities. It takes an industry-led, collaborative approach to helping deliver initiatives that make a difference.

To become a member of the AMA, which is free, please email info@amanz.nz. Benefits include: Industry news and information,Regionally organised site visits for targeted stakeholders, Roadshows organised by the Council, Board and other initiatives, Problem solving sessions, Opportunities to provide input and feedback on manufacturing-related matters, Networking opportunities.