Pukeko names new chief as Smith exits

New Zealand’s Pukeko Pictures has named a new CEO after previous incumbent Andrew Smith took a post as chief executive of a mobile services developer.

Andrew Smith is joining Wellington-based Touchtech as CEO in August, which has led to Clive Spink being named new chief exec at the Thunderbirds Are Go production company.

On August 1, Spink will be promoted from COO, a role he has held for more than a year, during which time he produced kids show The WotWots and exefutive produced the Thunderbirds

He will continue to coversee business growth, including all aspects of production and distribution.

Before Pukeko, Spink was most recently an executive at Vodafine New Zealand, but counts periods in production at TVNZ-owned Kotuku Productions (Fair Go, Country Calender) and was commercial manager at the broadcaster’s TV One channel.

“In his year with Pukeko Pictures Clive has demonstrated a considerable understanding of the local and international business landscape,” said Pukeko founder and director Richard Taylor, adding he would be “instrumental in driving the business forward and ensuring our production presence locally and internationally”.

Smith exits Pukeko after 18 years, having joined its parent Weta Workshop in 1997. “In his time with Pukeko Pictures Andrew has been instrumental in positioning the company as a producer of high quality and globally relevant content,” said Taylor. “We wish him the best in his next endeavours.”