Greg Hurn, the new acting CEO of BLVNZ

In an announcement, the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind board chair Clive Lansink said John Mulka, chief executive of the foundation’s executive arm Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ), has been replaced by BLVNZ’s current chief financial officer, Greg Hurn.

Outgoing BLVNZ CEO John Mulka

Mulka’s departure was originally announced to Foundation members on 4 July with a leave date given of 8 September. However, “following input from the executive leadership team, the board has decided that it is in the best interests of the organisation to proceed now to appoint an acting chief executive to lead the organisation while the board undertakes its formal search for the next permanent chief executive,” said Lansink in the 7 August announcement. “We anticipate this could take several months… Greg has held this role previously and has extensive knowledge of the organisation.”

Lansink assured members and staff BLVNZ will continue to operate as normal. “We are entering year four of the agreed strategic plan and will continue to focus on the priorities of the current business plan supported by the approved budget.”

Hurn has been with BLVNZ for more than 13 years, having previously held senior finance and operations positions with Yellow Pages. Mulka will remain in an advisory capacity until 8 September.