Simpson Grierson chair named new deputy chair of Commerce Commission

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Duncan Webb has announced the appointment of Simpson Grierson chair Anne Callinan as the new deputy chair at the Commerce Commission effective 10 July for a term of five years.

Callinan is a senior commercial litigation partner at Simpson Grierson. She brings over 30 years of experience in commercial litigation to her new role. She has acted as a counsel in various proceedings, including interim injunctions, sentencing hearings and commercial arbitration.

Callinan specialises in competition, consumer and financial markets law, where she has represented clients in relation to numerous investigations and civil and criminal proceedings involving the Commerce Commission and Financial Markets Authority. She has also acted for listed companies in relation to minority buy-out rights share valuation dispute under the Companies Act.

Callinan provides advice on all aspects of the Commerce Act and regularly advises on the Fair-Trading Act, consumer credit finance legislation and general contract claims. She is a member of the Competition Law Policy Institute. She was also affiliated with the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal between 2016 to 2022.

Webb emphasised the crucial role of the Commerce Commission in ensuring competitive markets that benefit New Zealand consumers. "The Commerce Commission plays a vital role in ensuring our markets are competitive and working well for New Zealand consumers. Working alongside Chair Dr John Small, Anne Callinan will be an asset to the commission."

Callinan's appointment follows the departure of predecessor Sue Begg. Webb thanked Begg for her support during a period of significant change and her exemplary leadership in overseeing the Commission's work on economic regulation of critical infrastructure services.

Webb has appointed Sue Begg as an associate member of the Commerce Commission until the end of 2023 to ensure a smooth transition. This move will provide continuity and leverage Begg's expertise during the transitional period.