ChristchurchNZ chief executive Ali Adams is leaving the city’s economic development agency to take up a senior role at the University of Nottingham.

Adams, who was appointed in December 2021 and started in the job in February 2022, will return to the United Kingdom as Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global and Regional Engagement, a position spanning the university’s home and international campuses.

She said the move suited her professionally and personally.

“Leaving Christchurch is not an easy decision. It has been a privilege to work alongside so many talented people who are deeply committed to the future of this city and region. Christchurch has built real momentum over recent years. We are seeing growing confidence, increased investment, a stronger international profile and an economy that continues to diversify and evolve,” Adams said.

Her tenure covered a period in which Christchurch shifted from earthquake recovery to competing for international events, investment and talent.

Under Adams, the agency brought the Sail Grand Prix to Lyttelton Harbour in 2023 and again in 2024.

A Deloitte post-event report put the total economic impact of the 2024 event at US$20.7 million for the host region, and the agency described it as the world’s largest ever ticketed sailing event, with more than 20,000 ticketed fans across the weekend.

The event was seen by a global broadcast audience of 74.6 million.

She also led the agency through the opening of One New Zealand Stadium.

The venue generated $21 million in economic impact in its first 60 days, against a $50 million annual forecast.

The first All Blacks test at the stadium was expected to bring an estimated $8 million to the city, with seats selling out within four hours.

Adams told media after the Super Rugby Pacific Super Round that early economic impact figures were probably conservative, and the city has since looked at locking in a multi-year deal for the fixture.

 

Adams chaired the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group and oversaw the launch of the Canterbury Aerospace Strategy in June 2025.

The strategy sets a target of more than $1 billion in regional economic impact and more than 1500 high-skill jobs by 2035, and points to local companies including Dawn Aerospace and Kea Aerospace.

She also backed the development of the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre runway at Kaitorete, which she said would accelerate the sector for local companies aiming to reach space using horizontal take-off.

Other work during her time included the Innovate Ōtautahi programme, which drew more than 11,000 people to a week of aerospace, business, startup and technology events in 2024, and a narrowing of the agency’s focus onto a small number of sectors. Those are aerospace, healthtech, cleantech and the bioeconomy.

ChristchurchNZ board chair Lauren Quaintance said Adams had made a significant contribution at a critical time for the city.

“Ali has been an exceptional leader, embedding a strong culture and values across the ChristchurchNZ team which has resulted in strong outcomes for the city against targets,” Quaintance said.

“The Board of ChristchurchNZ wish Ali well in her next role. She leaves the organisation well-placed to build on the city’s economic momentum and deliver to an economic strategy that brings jobs, people and investment to Christchurch and Canterbury.”

Adams said the Nottingham role brought together international engagement, partnerships, economic development and place, and that family had also been a factor.

“As my children have become adults, I have also been thinking more about spending time closer to family,” she said.

“The organisation has a strong Board, an exceptional team and a clear sense of purpose. Most importantly, Christchurch is well positioned to continue building on the opportunities ahead.”

ChristchurchNZ is a council-controlled organisation and receives the bulk of its funding from Christchurch City Council, with $16.349 million allocated for the 2025/26 year and a further $3.1 million from the Crown and third-party partners.

Adams remains at ChristchurchNZ until 23 October.

Interim leadership arrangements will be put in place ahead of recruitment for a new chief executive.