Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC) has appointed Glen Sowry as an independent commercial member of its Executive Governance Board, strengthening leadership as the organisation prepares to expand New Zealand’s next-generation public safety communications infrastructure.

NGCC Chair Rob Fyfe announced the appointment, highlighting Mr Sowry’s extensive leadership and governance experience across complex technical and commercial environments.

Established in 2020, the Executive Governance Board oversees the development of the Next Generation Critical Communications programme and the delivery of the Public Safety Network (PSN) for New Zealand’s emergency services.

In addition to joining the Executive Governance Board, Mr Sowry will also serve on NGCC’s Interim Board, which has been formed to guide the organisation’s transition to a Schedule 4A Crown company. This transition will position NGCC to begin offering services to the wider public safety sector from 1 July 2026.

“I am honoured to welcome Glen to the Board at this pivotal time for the organisation as it prepares to extend its emergency-grade cellular services to support the broader public safety sector,” said Fyfe.

Fyfe noted that Glen Sowry brings significant experience from senior executive roles within several of New Zealand’s most prominent organisations. His background includes leading large-scale operational programmes, driving business transformation initiatives, and developing commercial strategies within technically complex sectors.

“He has extensive board experience and a strong track record of working across both commercial and government environments to ensure major projects are delivered on time and on budget,” Fyfe added.

Sowry said he looks forward to contributing to the organisation’s continued development as it advances New Zealand’s next-generation emergency communications platform.

“I am looking forward to working alongside the highly experienced and capable NGCC board as the organisation continues to build and deliver its digital communications platform to ensure New Zealand’s essential emergency services and the wider public safety sector have a reliable and future-proof system,” he said.

Fyfe added that Sowry’s expertise will help guide NGCC as it expands its communications capability to support hundreds of additional organisations that work alongside emergency services in both everyday safety operations and large-scale regional emergencies.