Appointment of a new leader at TWR: Bringing energy and innovation for a fresh chapter
Andy Schick, a renowned figure in Christian media, has been appointed as the President of Trans World Radio (TWR), effective from August 1, 2025[1][2]. Before this appointment, Schick served as a board member for Reach Beyond New Zealand, a role that likely involved strategic oversight and governance within the organization focused on Christian media and outreach[1].
Schick's journey to this point has been diverse and impressive. Raised in rural New Zealand near the "Hobbiton" filming location of The Lord of the Rings, Schick was introduced to missions early and participated in short-term outreach in Thailand, the Philippines, and Fiji[3].
After attending Hillsong Leadership College in Australia, focusing on ministry and leadership development, Schick transitioned into business and tech with a strong entrepreneurial bent after marrying[4]. He taught himself programming, networking, and cybersecurity, built a tech company from the ground up, and later sold it to a large internet provider[1].
In recent years, Schick has served as a board member and adviser to TWR partner ministry Reach Beyond, and led revenue and technology transformation work at World Vision[3]. He also played a significant role in New Zealand's $200 million Network for Learning initiative, providing fiber internet to every school in the country[5].
Schick's appointment as TWR President comes after the successful 16-year tenure of Lauren Libby, whose leadership has significantly shaped TWR's global influence[6]. TWR Board Chairman Jeff Jones described Schick's appointment as "nothing less than a direct answer to prayer"[2].
With his extensive experience in technology, business, and Christian media, Schick is poised to lead TWR in its mission to broadcast the Gospel through various media platforms with innovation and vision[2]. He expressed his belief that TWR is entrepreneurial, innovative, technically savvy, deeply rooted in the heart of God, and effective[7]. Schick's answer to why believers should partner with TWR was based on TWR's history of pushing boundaries in reaching unreached people groups and its continued entrepreneurial and innovative spirit[7].
Under Schick's leadership, TWR will continue to expand its reach and impact, leveraging emerging technologies without losing sight of its identity. The Schick family will remain based in New Zealand, but Schick will travel extensively and work in close partnership with a COO based in Cary, North Carolina[8].
Sources: [1] https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2025/july/andy-schick-appointed-twr-president.html [2] https://www.twr.org/news/press-releases/new-twr-president-announced [3] https://www.reachbeyond.org/news/andy-schick-named-next-twr-president-and-ceo [4] https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/129080684/andy-schick-from-church-to-tech-ceo [5] https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/124030416/andy-schick-helped-lead-nz-s-200m-network-for-learning-initiative [6] https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2025/july/lauren-libby-steps-down-as-twr-president.html [7] https://www.twr.org/news/why-believers-should-partner-with-twr [8] https://www.twr.org/news/twr-president-announces-leadership-structure-for-global-ministry
In light of his successful career in technology and business, coupled with extensive experience in Christian media, Schick is prepared to adapt and innovate TWR's media platforms with entrepreneurial vision. As he continues his role as TWR President, Schick will partner with a COO based in Cary, North Carolina, while maintaining his family's residence in New Zealand.
