The Briscoe Group Limited has appointed Tony Batterton as its new independent non-executive director effective June 1.

“We are thrilled Tony will be joining the board and believe his experience and skills will not only enhance the dynamics of the Board but will also be very beneficial for the group as a whole,” said Dame Rosanne Meo, company chair.

Batterton, who is a partner and director with Direct Capital, has private equity and investment banking experience in New Zealand with Direct Capital and in London with HSBC Investment Bank. Prior to that, he was a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse.

Batterton is currently the non-executive director of PF Olsen Limited and had been the director of Transaction Services, NZ Pharmaceuticals, Scales Corporation, Go-Bus, Triton Hearing Clinics, Rodd & Gunn and Max Fashions.

The appointment of Batterton followed the company’s announcement in March that its independent non-executive director, Stuart Johnstone, will step down from the Board on May 31 after the annual meeting.

Meo said Johnstone has been a “most valuable Board member since his appointment in May 2001 just prior to the company being listed on the Stock Exchange”.