The Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB) has appointed existing board member Eirangi Marsters Insimo as the board’s new chairperson.

Eirangi assumed her new role on Wednesday, taking over from outgoing chairperson George Pitt.

In a statement, BTIB said while stepping down as chairperson, Pitt will continue as a member of the BTIB board and “his ongoing service and support in this respect is acknowledged and appreciated”.

Pitt said: “I consider Eirangi a positive choice for chairperson and her contributions have always added value to board discussions.”

“I have served my purpose and it is time to hand the batten on to another person to implement the way forward.”

Eirangi is married to Wayne Insimo, between them they have four children. For the past four years Eirangi has been self-employed contributing to the private sector. Prior to joining the private sector, Eirangi served in various government roles for nearly 20 years where she represented the Cook Islands both regionally and internationally.

She has a Master of Business Administration from the University of the South Pacific, Rarotonga. Having experience in the private and public sector will be an asset going into this role, BTIB said.

Eirangi is a member of various community organisations including the Palmerston Hostel Charitable Trust and Murienua Puna.

“I am extremely humbled to accept the role as chairperson for BTIB. I look forward to contributing constructively towards the goals of the organisation and am thankful to the Minister, former chair, and Board members for their support,” said Eirangi.

“This leadership role further amplifies government’s plans to uplift woman in our society, and as I lead this phase of the journey, I am grateful to everyone that has helped me along the way, especially my family and friends.”

The change in chairperson at BTIB comes in the wake of a functional review conducted late last year at the request of the minister responsible for BTIB, Patrick Arioka.

This review was aimed at ensuring BTIB continues to deliver services that are relevant and responsive to the needs of BTIB stakeholders and the wider Cook Islands community.

“With the recommendations of the functional review report in mind, there are many upcoming changes at BTIB that Eirangi will be required to drive forward within the organisation,” said Minister Arioka.

“Her oversight will be required at implementation discussions with aall levels of government and our various other stakeholders as well.

“At this time, I would also like to thank George Pitt for his hard work in holding the chairperson role and the support he is giving to this changeover.

“I am humbled that he has chosen to continue to be a part of this transition phase and to help nurture our new chairperson into the role, while also supporting the entire board in the implementation of the review recommendations as we work together to strengthen BTIB’s core services now and into the future.”