Murray Walbran, Trans-Tasman managing director of CRC Industries Inc will retire as MD effective December 31 after more than 40 years with the company.
Walbran has been CRC’s managing director for the Trans-Tasman region since 2019. He joined CRC in 1979 as the operations manager for the New Zealand business. Seven years later, he was promoted to MD and retained this executive role until 2019 when the New Zealand and Australian businesses merged and he was appointed MD for the region.
“I am grateful to have spent over 42 years with this great company and honoured to have had the opportunity to lead the Trans-Tasman region for the last three. I am very proud of what my colleagues and I have accomplished together, amalgamating the region during a time of global challenges,” says Walbran.
“I believe that 2022 is the right time for me to retire for a number of reasons. First, the company has performed very well over the past couple of years. As a result, the company is operationally very sound and positioned for continued success. Second, the regional leadership team and I have laid out a vision for the company that will guide CRC Trans-Tasman for many years to come, and this gives me great confidence about the business’ future success. And finally, Bryce (McGregor) has been preparing for his new role as my successor for several years, and 2023 is the right time for him to assume his place as the leader of the company.”
Bryce McGregor, Trans-Tasman sales director, will assume the role of managing director effective January 1, 2023.
McGregor joined CRC New Zealand in 2017 as commercial manager for New Zealand’s consumer and auto division. In 2019, McGregor was given broader New Zealand responsibility and was appointed Country Manager.
He has a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting and marketing from the University of Auckland.
“Bryce’s decisive leadership, his personal style, and his experience across his industry qualify him to step into this role,” says Walbran. “He is well-respected by his customers, he inspires his colleagues, and he embodies the company’s operating principles.
“I am excited by this opportunity to lead CRC,” says McGregor. “The company has an excellent reputation, great brand presence and our products are highly regarded on both sides of the Tasman.”
McGregor says for more than four decades, Murray has provided significant leadership not only for CRC but our the industry as a whole.
“Our operating success has benefited from his leadership and guidance. His unswerving focus on new product development, marketing and business innovation has provided CRC with strong foundations. With the support and engagement of CRC employees.”