Gen-i's GM of Human Resources, Rowan Tonkin, won two awards at the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRINZ) awards dinner held 24 November 2011 in Wellington.

Rowan was firstly named HR Generalist of the Year, and then took out the supreme HRINZ award, HR Person of the Year 2011.  The judges recognised Rowan for his many years of involvement in the provision of strategic HR input and initiatives for a number of large and complex organisations. They also praised his partnership approach to the business, and his focus and drive to increase people capability within his organisation.

In accepting his awards, Rowan thanked Gen-i CEO, Chris Quin, and the Gen-i Leadership team for their engagement, support and focus on their people strategy through a period of significant transformation. Rowan also acknowledged his team and Telecom HR for being focused on people engagement and partnering with the business.

Chris Quin said these awards are a testament to the work Rowan has done over the last couple of years which played a pivotal role in Gen-i's transformation.

"Rowan has led a top HR team and worked together with us to build a world-class business partnership and engagement model.  It's great to see Rowan recognised for this and for his contribution to the HR profession over many years."

Telecom Group HR Director, Jan O’Neill, said, “No one was surprised that Rowan would be recognised in this way; however, for him to be selected as the best HR person in 2011 is truly outstanding.”