Widely-experienced corporate exec Liz Ward has been appointed the new chief executive of Gough Group.

Ward has been CEO of Sydney-based Kennards Hire, CEO of CentrePort and executive director customer services for Sydney Trains and has held senior positions with Telstra, Spark and EDS.

She's an independent director on the board of Moana Fisheries and was previously director of the New South Wales Telco Authority.

Gough Group chair Keith Taylor says he's delighted to have Ward "lead the next phase of the organisation's development" following the departure of longtime CEO Karl Smith.

"Liz brings a track record of leading and implementing transformational business change across a wide range of industries," says Taylor.

"Her customer-driven, results-focused approach, coupled with an inclusive leadership style, will help build upon a strong organisational culture that delivers results.

"Her significant executive and governance experience, together with her record of transformation and engagement, position her well to drive Gough Group's strategic aims of creating exceptional customer experiences and inspiring our people."

Executive director Ben Gough says the appointment is a clear statement of direction for the Group: "The Gough Group must continue to lead our markets in the products and services we provide and do so across a range of platforms. Liz comes to us with a powerful record of innovation that will enable developments we believe our customers want to see."

Ward began work with Gough last month – working initially in the Christchurch head office, but will move to Auckland later this year.

She takes over control of a company that is now almost 90 years old and is one of New Zealand's leading heavy equipment, materials handling, power system and truck and trailer parts suppliers. It represents brands including Caterpillar, Palfinger, Hyster and Sany, with over 60 branches and 950 staff in NZ and Australia.