He has developed models for the acquisition, management and operation of hydrothermal and thermal electric systems; transmission pricing and oligopoly bidding behavior; interconnect charging; solving complex tenders to buy-back portfolios of fishing rights; decisions on silviculture and harvesting; wood product production and marketing; and use of depletable and renewable resources.

As a strategic consultant, he has undertaken studies as diverse as designing a quota management system for a multispecies fishery; analyzing infrastructure reinforcement for an expanding forestry industry; formulating a wholesale electricity market; negotiating indigenous fishing rights; and designing products for the management of financial risk.

Prior to joining PHB, Mr. Baird was managing director of CORE Management Systems Ltd, which specializes in the design and development of complex computer-based business models using optimization and simulation.

Mr. Baird holds a B.E. in electrical engineering and an M.Sc. in operations research and economics from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.