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Executive Leadership Team
The Commission's Chief Executive Martin Sawyers is supported by the Executive Management Team consisting of three general managers responsible for the investigation, corporate and legal services teams.
Martin Sawyers, Chief Executive
Martin leads the organisation to support the Commissioners in the delivery of their statutory purpose, which is to help improve transport safety. Martin has extensive legal and senior management experience in the private and public sectors.
Prior to TAIC, Martin was Chief Executive and Registrar of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Before that, he was General Counsel and Manager of Corporate Services for the Real Estate Agents Authority and also previously managed legal operations at the Department of Corrections. Martin brings significant governance experience from his years as Mayor of Buller District Council, Chair of an Electricity Lines Company and Deputy Chair of a State Owned Enterprise.
Louise Cook, Chief investigator of Accidents, General Manager Investigation Services
Louise leads TAIC's skilled multi-mode investigation team working across aviation, rail and marine. Her focus is to ensure that investigations meet the highest technical and legal standards, that they support system learning and lead to meaningful recommendations to improve safety. She also represents Aotearoa New Zealand in international safety forums and contributes to global safety practice.
Louise joined TAIC in 2018, in roles including managing the rail and marine investigation teams and Principal Legal Advisor and a stint as Acting General Counsel. Prior to TAIC, Louise filled a number of senior legal positions over 15 years at the Ministry for Primary Industries (formerly Ministry of Fisheries).
Polly Leeming, Acting Commission General Counsel
Joelene Skelton, General Manager Corporate Services
Joelene became General Manager Corporate Services at the Transport Accident Investigation Commission in March 2025. Her corporate functions responsibilities include finance, human resources, IT, communications, and accountability. Joelene has managed finance for TAIC since 2012.
Before TAIC, Joelene was Corporate Accountant at Te Puni Kōkiri and held senior roles in organisational performance and financial management in London. She began her career as an auditor at Ernst Young.