Dr Robin Mann, who served as Chancellor of the University of Canterbury from 2003 to 2008, has a longstanding connection with the University.
He completed three degrees in Chemistry at the then Canterbury College of the University of New Zealand – BSc (1957), MSc (Hons) (1959) and PhD (1962), and worked as a part-time lecturer before embarking on a distinguished career in industry and management.
In 1961, he joined G L Bowron and Co Ltd tannery as a research chemist. He was appointed Production Director in 1969 and was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from 1984 until his retirement from the firm in 2000. He was also General Manager of Tanning for Waitaki International Ltd between 1987 and 1989 and Senior Director and Vice-President of Maruhachi Mawata and Co Ltd (Japan) from 1998 to 2000.
In recognition of his significant services to industry he was made a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry, a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management, a Distinguished Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and life member of both the New Zealand Tanners’ Association and the Canterbury Manufacturers Association.
Dr Mann has held directorships at a range of organisations and companies including Christchurch International Airport Ltd (1988-2001), New Zealand Trade Development Board (1995–2001), Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand Inc (2003–2008), Open Strategies Ltd (2003-to the present) and Skope Industries (2000–to the present). He is also a former president of the Canterbury branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand.
In 2003, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and the community.
In 2001, Dr Mann was co-opted to the University Council and shortly afterwards was appointed Pro-Chancellor. He was appointed Chancellor in 2003, and stepped down from Council at the end of May, 2019. Dr Mann has continued serving the University, initially in his role as Chairman of the UC Foundation (an independent, registered charitable trust associated with the University) and now as Deputy Chair of the UC Foundation.
Citation authorised as true and correct at May 2019.
