Auckland-based Simon West has been appointed as an independent director of Trade Me Group Limited (TME) with effect from December 15 2016.

West has extensive experience in retail and technology businesses, and is currently the executive director of Max Fashions. He has previously held CEO roles at clothing retailer EziBuy and Australian e-commerce website DealsDirect.com.au, and is a director of Onceit, a fashion flash sale site. He holds a Bachelor of Management Studies, majoring in strategic management, from the University of Waikato.

“Simon comes with great online experience and a deep knowledge of retail,” said  David Kirk, chairman of Trade Me.

“He brings a valuable entrepreneurial outlook and also has a good understanding of bigger businesses.”

Sam Morgan will step down as a Trade Me director at the same time, as signalled to shareholders in October. He will focus on early-stage businesses and his charitable foundation.

Kirk acknowledged Morgan for his contribution as founder and director at the Trade Me annual meeting earlier this month.

“Trade Me has allowed many, many New Zealanders to build thriving businesses and many, many more New Zealanders to find that quirky second–hand thing, the car, the house, the job or even the partner they were looking for through Trade Me,” he said.

“All because Sam had a good idea and worked hard to make it happen.”