PETER LUHANGA
The Atlantis Special Economic Zone Company dedicated to low carbon manufacturing – or green technology – has appointed Matthew Cullinan as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The company’s marketing coordinator, Hlumela Nama, stated Cullinan takes over from Dr Pierre Voges.
Board chairman of the of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone Company (ASEZCo) Jo-Ann Johnson, said the building blocks for the special economic zone are now in place and there is a solid foundation laide by the executive management, which welcomes Cullinan to his position.
“Matt brings a wealth of experience and insights to the company and the board is confident that Matt is the right person to lead the company to success in attracting and landing green technology manufacturing investment,” said Johnson.
“We believe that Matt Cullinan and his team will build the ASEZ to be a significant contributor to economic growth and development in Cape Town, the Western Cape and South Africa,” she said.
Cullinan is an expert in green infrastructure and sustainable urban development. He holds a Masters degree in city and regional planning, with undergraduate degrees in economics and environmental science.
Prior to joining the ASEZCo, he was CEO of MCA Urban and Environmental Planners, a technical advisory company focusing on green urban infrastructure policy, planning and development.
Cullinan has worked internationally and locally on a wide variety of projects, ranging from financing green infrastructure projects in Tanzania, to planning mixed used waterfront developments in Nigeria. He is passionate about the potential of green infrastructure to lay the basis for a sustainable future.
“If we are serious about building a future that is sustainable, then we need sustainable manufacturing. That is the goal we have set-out to achieve. That is not something done overnight. It is a journey involving collaboration and a willingness to be innovative. I am convinced that by working hand-in-hand with our investors, shareholders, partners and the community we will get there,” said Cullinan.
Nama stated the ASEZCo welcomes the appointment of its new CEO and has the utmost confidence in his ability to lead the team and organization into a brighter, greener and successful future.