Growing up on a sheep and beef farm in Northern Manawatu, I developed a strong work ethic and resilience.
The farm’s remoteness led me to attend a boarding school, which further shaped my adaptability and character.
I pursued higher education at Massey University, earning a Bachelor of Business Studies with a major in Marketing. After university, I began my career at Kodak in a sales role, marking the start of a 30-year plus journey in executive leadership and governance.
Throughout my career, I have held various leadership roles, including CEO, and worked in commercial, sales, marketing, and innovation capacities. My experience spans numerous global markets, such as the US, Australia, UK, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific, helping me develop a comprehensive understanding of international business dynamics and cultural differences. My time living and working in Australia and Singapore has further broadened my global perspective.
I have been fortunate to work with prominent companies like Heinz, Heineken, and Fonterra, as well as innovative start-ups like Organic Initiative, which has deepened my skills in strategic oversight, risk management, and governance.
My professional background is primarily in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, including dairy, baking, alcohol, baby products, seafood, and hygiene. I have also ventured into Whitegoods, Apparel, and, more recently, Animal Health. This diverse experience has enabled me to approach governance challenges with a balanced perspective. I focus on understanding complex issues, developing clear strategies, and ensuring effective governance practices.
My leadership style is centred on setting high standards, fostering accountability, and supporting teams to achieve their goals while adhering to best practices.
Outside of work, I am married and a mother to four adult children. Our family shares a passion for sailing, and I also enjoy playing and watching tennis.
I am an avid traveller and adventurer, with recent highlights including summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
Holding dual citizenship in New Zealand and the UK, I bring a diverse set of experiences to both my professional and personal life. My background—from my rural New Zealand roots to my global career—contributes to a well-rounded approach to leadership and governance.