Brent Layton

Chief Executive



Brent joined the Institute as its director in September 2003. From the mid-1980s he was a company director and from 1991 he was a full-time director and economic consultant. He has served on the Boards of companies in sectors as diverse as finance and banking, health, scientific research, electricity, food processing, transport and IT. He is a former Chair of Trust Bank Canterbury, Canterbury Health, the Crown Health Association, Lyttelton Port Company, AgResearch, Celentis, Sastek Pty Ltd, and the Rules Committee of the New Zealand Electricity Market. Brent has degrees in economics and economic history. He has taught university courses to masters level in economics, economic history, corporate finance and financial risk management. Brent was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business management in 1996 and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors in 2003.

Providing a report to the Reserve Bank on competition and innovation in the New Zealand banking system.
Advising major electricity users on transmission issues.
Advising a major corporate on its energy strategy.
Advising the Commerce Commission on the regulation of Electricity Lines Businesses.
Analysing the economic consequences of electricity grid pricing for investment in distributed generation.
Providing policy advice on the treatment of Comalco’s contracts under the Electricity Governance Rules and Regulations.
Assisting a manufacturer to evaluate the economics of sourcing product from off-shore.
Advising on the establishment of electricity futures contracts in Australia.
Advising on a Major Events Policy for a government agency.
Acting as External Monetary Policy Advisor to the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
Advising port and airport users on pricing and charges.
Providing an iwi with assistance with governance training.