Brigadier Tim Keating has been appointed New Zealand’s Chief of Army, replacing Lieutenant General Rhys Jones who became Chief of Defence Force last month.
Brigadier Keating has been promoted to Major General as he begins his three-year term.
He has been serving as Chief of Staff at Defence Headquarters and was previously Deputy Chief of Army.
Announcing the appointment this week, defence minister Wayne Mapp said that Brigadier Keating had an outstanding service record in the Army.
“He is an exceptionally able and highly experienced officer who has demonstrated excellent leadership skills during his career.
“He has a very strong record of operational leadership.
“His command appointments in recent years have included the 2nd Land Force Group at Linton, a rotation of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan, the Officer Cadet School at Waiouru and the NZSAS at Papakura.
“His role as Chief of Army will require leadership at the highest levels.
“The tempo of our overseas operations will draw heavily on his considerable operational experience.
“He will also make a substantial contribution as the Defence Force implements last year’s White Paper and prepares for the security challenges of the coming decades.”