André Nobbs

André joined Govett Quilliam in June 2024. He has extensive success in government public office roles and executive leadership across the spectrum of strategic, governance, and operational direction in private and public sectors, corporate boards, and trusts locally and internationally.

One of the most rewarding parts of André’s career has been the design and implementation of strategic and operational direction that has converted best practice aspirations into measurable and meaningful outcomes. Andre’s personal aspiration and intention is to present clear, achievable and accountable strategies and pathways that empower companies, teams and individuals to deliver and celebrate success.

A key element that attracted André to the CEO role is GQ’s focus on continuous improvement and excellence. André sees the longstanding professionalism, heritage and trust that GQ holds as an important anchor for future strategies for legal technology innovation, value-based legal services, graduate career pathways, respect for tangata whenua, and equity.

As a former Head of State/Chief Minister for Norfolk Island, in parallel with long-term NZ Government agency roles, André has an in-depth knowledge of the machinery of government, including regulatory and policy development, and of alignments for practical delivery alongside meaningful measures for equity and optimum outcomes for community and business. André has a military and private-sector industry engineering and compliance background, with around ten years in each sector, leading the evaluation and implementation of new technology, systems and processes aimed at enhancing business efficiency and safety.

André is passionate about supporting and mentoring others to recognise and respect their capability, strength and emotional intelligence in commencing the journey to make aspirational goals an ordinary day’s work. “No matter where I have worked, my personal recharge has been enabled by others who let me be part of their development and empowerment”. André, wife Kim, and family settled back in New Plymouth eight years ago. Kim has multi-generational family farming connections within the province and Andre’s own family background in farming has meant they are never too far away from practical initiatives to bring out the best in Taranaki life. You may also find André and family out surfing, skiing, trekking, mountain biking, the gym, or frequenting the amazing arts/music and cafe scene in New Plymouth. André’s career has also included writing, touring, and performing live music, hence his enthusiasm and drive as a trustee to support the Taranaki Singer Songwriters Development Trust and the awe-inspiring talent we have in Taranaki.

André is also a Trustee on the Taranaki Retreat and is the Chair of the Govett Brewster Foundation