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Cohort 39 Introductions From the Joint Steering Committee International Business, Q3, 2011

In order of receipt via e-mail

Paul Hoskin

Working at the interface of academia and industry R&D, Paul is both a successful academic with international awards for original and published research and has considerable expertise in energy geoscience, renewable energy, mining and minerals, and education systems. He has lived and worked in Germany, Australia, Canada, and the USA. Paul worked on a US Department of Energy program developing deep underground storage for high-level nuclear waste. He has a recent article in the University of Auckland Business Review and an article on stock price buoyancy and the efficient market submitted to Economics Letters. Qualifications: Ph.D., Australian National University; D.Habil., Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.

Mirza Wajahat

Over 15 years experience in the consumer goods industry working with major brands like Hugo Boss, Max Factor and Samsonite. Mirza’s career is in brand building and developing market entry strategies in Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) markets in the Middle East. Credited with Procter & Gamble Partnership Excellence Award for Best Global Market in the year 2002 and 2001 for re-establishing the Max Factor brand in United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and the Lebanese markets. Currently, he is building a ready-to-eat brand in Australasia, working with distributors and retailers. Qualification: B.Com., Osmania University, India.

Kirsten McDonald

Extensive experience teaching adult foreign language learners and training teachers in a number of countries in Asia and central Europe. Since returning to New Zealand two years ago, Kirsten has continued to assess and develop teachers, language and teacher training courses, and oversees academic programmes, curriculum development and operational activities. Recently her work has developed into an international marketing and strategic group programme business development role.

Jacob Park

Nine years experience in advertising as an account executive. Working with many creative teams he contributed to his clients successful marketing communication activities and one of his TV commercials was awarded at the New York Commercial Film Festival. Jacob moved into the restaurant sector in 2001 and managed twenty Bennigan’s restaurants, a Dallas-based casual dining brand, and then MR CHOW Seoul, a London-based fine dining restaurant. Jacob’s core competencies are discovering concepts for marketing communication campaigns, finding insights through strategic analysis and managing brand assets.

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Neil Stevenson

Corporate Development Manager for TelstraClear’s $300M Business & Government BU. He has held international director roles in the Communications, IT and Consulting industries working for IBM, HP, Cisco, Nortel and various fixed and mobile network operators. Neil generally finds himself in business development, market development, portfolio development and corporate strategy roles. Qualifications: B.Sc.(Hons) (Physics), M.Sc. (Human Physiology), M.Sc. (Telecommunications).

Philip Verissimo

Managing Director of a New Zealand manufacturer that exports sheet metal machinery and electric overhead travelling cranes to Australia and the Pacific islands. Philip has extensive industry experience in general management in all functional areas of manufacturing. He has travelled throughout Europe developing strategic supplier relationships. Philip is Director of a large kiwifruit producer, land holding, and development companies. He was a former director of the Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA). Qualifications: B.E.(Hons), NZCE (Mechanical), Dip.Hort., and an Engineering Cadetship with Fisher & Paykel.

Jan Rajwer

Network Operations Manager at Kordia Limited with 27 years of experience in telecommunications network operations, service development, research, and network deployment for both operators and vendors. He has worked in Sweden and Canada.

Mark Godenho

Mark studied and worked as a civil engineer in a previous life. Today he’s an internationally award-winning copywriter with extensive experience in the radio industry in NZ and the UK. He worked as a freelancer for small agencies in London and is now Creative Director for The Radio Network. When he’s not delivering seminars to his clients about maximising their advertising dollar, or analysing their marketing strategy, he can be found studying the latest advertising and marketing trends from around the world. If you’re very lucky you may also find him pushing a hoop down a dirt road with a stick. Qualifications: Dip.Eng.Tech., B.Broadcasting.

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Clare Christie

An experienced Financial Services executive with extensive expertise and knowledge in Financial Services, global Custody and Trust, Mutual Fund Operations, Superannuation Operations, and Business Process Reengineering. Clare has over 12 years industry and consulting experience at Global Financial Institutions including ANZ, AXA (in Australia), American Express, Wells Fargo, Deutsche Bank, Chase Mellon Shareholder Services and State Street Bank and Trust (in the USA). Her deep business knowledge and people leadership skills are complemented by her extensive understanding of technology, project management, and change management in business. Qualification: B.A. (Liberal Studies), University of Pittsburgh, PA.

Wendy Mitchell

Director of Corportex Ltd. Wendy immigrated from China 23 years ago. She was production manager for a leading Australian import and wholesale group and a NZ retail group for 4 years and then formed her own import and wholesale company, Corportex Ltd. The company’s clients include The Warehouse Ltd, Farmers, Rebel Sports, and Cheapskate franchises. Wendy’s core competencies are outsourcing manufacturing and products, international trade and relationship building across cultures.

Tim Woods

Development Manager for Greenstone Group (Property Project and Development Managers) with 12 years experience in the construction and property industry in NZ and the UK.

Rob Speirs

Experienced management executive with a focus on operational excellence and governance. Experience across retail/wholesale, sales, operational management, financial management and company portfolio management. Rob is the Operator of PlaceMakers West Auckland and holds current directorships in the food manufacturing and vehicle sales industries. He recently moved from Fletcher Distribution Ltd where he managed a portfolio of businesses and relationships with one of the business units with a future intent to take an equity stake in PlaceMakers as Joint Venture Operator.

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Sina Moore

Leadership and governance experience spanning 20 years across commercial, public and social-profit environments, and a range of sectors including education, broadcasting, media/advertising, leadership and management, youth mentoring and business development. Sina had executive roles in sales, management, training, HR and organisational development projects with Telecom, and the NZ Institute of Management before appointment in 2002 as Trustee of the National Pacific Radio Trust (NPRT). Sina was CE for NPRT, NiuFM, and the Pacific Media Network, 2003–2009. Qualification: B.A. (Sociology, Political Science), graduate fellow of the Leadership New Zealand programme.

Henry Jenkins

A senior management professional with 20 years commercial experience. Henry has worked across a range of industries that include: Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Fire and General Insurance, and ICT. He has experience in NZ and across the Pacific region. Henry was the Country Marketing Manager for British American Tobacco, Samoa, prior to 2009. In 2010 he was engaged by the World Bank to develop a marketing strategy for the Government of Samoa for the New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employment Scheme (RSE). Qualifications: NZDip.Bus., AUT, NZDip.Actg., AUT, CA (NZICA).

Craig Dennis

General Manger of The Nelson Mail, a division of Fairfax Media with eight years experience in general management. Prior to working for Fairfax, Craig held various senior finance roles in newspapers, television, corporate farming and chartered accountancy. He has lived and worked in the US and UK. Qualifications: B.Com., University of Canterbury; Chartered Accountant.

Pravesh Singh

Attorney with extensive international legal and managerial experience, having practiced commercial and finance law for the past eight years in Africa, Europe, USA, and Asia on various high-level cross boarder transactions.

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Dawson Mutu

Commercial Manager for Woods, Consulting Engineers, Surveyors and Planners, with nineteen years experience in the finance, development and infrastructure markets of New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA.

Teresa Monahan

Over 15 years experience in business strategy and execution, system implementation and improvement, and leadership/human resource management. Teresa is currently General Manager of PlaceMakers, Cook Street, and is responsible for all aspects of business management and the leadership of eighty employees. Her previous roles include business auditing and consultation, finance/operations, management and employee development. Qualifications: PGDip.Bus. (Administration), Dip. Homoeopathy.

Berin Wong

CFO for SGS New Zealand since May 2006 where he is building a world-class finance and shared services function to support business growth. Since returning from the UK in the early 1990’s, Berin has been involved in a range of businesses from startups to large multi-nationals, in a range of roles from IT to HR but primarily financial and commercial. He has worked for Tyco Flow Control Pty, Carter Holt Harvey, Housing NZ, and Diagnostic Laboratories. Berin is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants, an Associate of the NZ Institute of Management, a former Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. Qualification: B.Com., University of Auckland.

James Littlejohn Working for Genesis Energy as a Carbon Trader, James has extensive experience in various aspects of the NZ Energy industry including energy trading, retail, and regulatory issues. James worked in London for 4 years with a variety of financial institutions including Deutsche Bank, ABN AMRO, Fortis and Barclays. He is passionate about the application of technology and likes to know how things work. Qualifications: B.Tech. (Product Development), Massey University.

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Brad Weekly

Development Manager for the Advancement Team at the University of Auckland Business School since 2008. In 2010, Brad assumed the same role for the New Zealand Asia Institute. Prior to moving to NZ, Brad had a successful 18-year career as an insurance agency owner/manager with Farmers Financial Services, LLC, followed by a two-year stint performing media relations and community outreach for NW Insurance Council. Qualifications: B.S. (Economics), University of Oregon; PGDip.Bus., University of Auckland.

Kerry Boielle

General Manager of Premium & Emerging Markets at ASB Bank. Kerry has 23 years experience in the financial services industry, 11 of those in banking, 10 in insurance, superannuation and managed funds, and 2 in foreign exchange. Her roles have included Regional Manager, Operations Manager, HR Manager, and Strategy Development.

Tony McNamara

Information systems and technology professional with over 15 years in the Auckland market. Tony has held management positions in health and local government and has worked as a consultant and project manager on business-facing IT projects. He has worked in a range of industries including banking, law, health, local government, and manufacturing. His experience covers IT strategy, development, marketing analytics, statistics, data warehouse development, and business process automation. Qualification: B.Sc., University of Auckland.

Rosalind Stewart

Managing Director of an actors agency for over 12 years, specialising in NZ and International Film and Television. Rosalind sold this company in 2007 and then managed a recruitment advertising agency in Melbourne, Australia. She recently embarked on a career change and is now exploring the world of banking. She has extensive experience in people leadership and management and has done a stint in the non-profit sector.

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Wei Zhang

As a Project Manager in the Light Metals Research Centre, University of Auckland, Wei has worked with, or continues to work with a range of agencies including the US EPA, US Institute of Governance and Sustainable Development, Australian Aluminum Council, NZ FoRST, China Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Association. She implements research outcomes in the aluminum industry to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Before 2004, Wei was a lecturer at the University of Science and Technology, Beijing. Qualification: Ph.D. (Material Science and Engineering).

Paul Bunbury

With over ten years experience in business management, Paul is a natural leader with an entrepreneurial spirit. Upon completion of his formal education at The University of Auckland in 2001, Paul started his own business. Within four years he had built a business employing over 60 staff and an annual turnover in the millions of dollars. In 2005, Paul sold the business and travelled the world for a year. Since his return, he has managed the family business and has been the driving force behind a period of growth, doubling the size of the business in the last 5 years. Paul is currently single and enjoys long walks along the beach. Qualifications: M.A.(Hons), B.Com., University of Auckland.

Amit Botadra Chris McClement José Rodriguez Stephanie Sun

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Auckland MBATM 2011  

 

Karl Brooks   

I am an ICT solutions development team leader at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare; who manufacture and sell medical devices. I manage and lead a high performance team of software developers and database administrators and am responsible for development of internal web applications, enterprise databases, external websites and domain intellectual property. My strengths are in website development, regulated environments and project management. I play a crazy sport underwater hockey and would enjoy a game of golf with my fellow MBA cohorts if keen.Qualifications: BTech(hons) PGDipBus(Admin) 

 

 

Mike Cheneka   

An accomplished Mechanical Engineer with the Rail transport industry experience of 18 years and currently in between jobs. Worked as boilermaker/fabricator with the National Railways of Zimbabwe for 12 years before moving to New Zealand where he joined KiwiRail as a Mechanical Engineer. Was part of the team that successfully did the refurbishment projects for both the SA/SD commuter trains for Auckland Regional Transport and the SW/SWG commuter trains for Wairarapa region.  Later joined Trimtech Seating Ltd (NZ) as a Design & Development Engineer where he designed and built the first commuter train prototype ever to be made in 

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New Zealand. Qualifications: BSc Comp. Science (Otago), Micro‐Comp. Tech. (City & Guilds), Cert. Fabrication Engineering (Bulawayo Polytechnic), PGDip. Bus (Admin), University of Auckland. 

 

Sam Kodi   

I am a banker for the last 20 years. Worked most part of my life in Sri Lanka attached to Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management. Have extensive experience in dealing with High Networth Clients. Having previously worked at Westpac ‐ as an Investment adviser, currently attached to ASB ‐ Private Banking & Wealth Management. I have recently completed my qualifications and await registration as an "Authorised Financial Adviser". I help create futures to High Networth Clients in West Auckland. 

 

Hong Lee   

currently working for Building Technologies Ltd on contract to University of Auckland Property Services in charge of service and maintenance of the extensive Building Management System, using automation equipment controlling the air conditioning, heating/cooling water, domestic hot/cold water, medical plant, compressors, boilers, chillers, generators etc throughout all University buildings. In the past have worked in mechanical design/product development for domestic/commercial ventiliation and mechanical air movement industry, applications engineer for a tech start‐up originating from a university project, and building management/security for correctional facility. B.E (Mechatronics), PgDipBus (Admin). Enjoy shooting friends (playing airsoft) and playing the piano in spare time (dont have much of that anymore) 

 

 

Alex Tokmakov  

With Vector Communications where I am responsible for architecture of a modern and rapidly growing fibre‐optic based tele‐communications network. This covers: 

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Outside Plant, Core and Aggregation facilities (essentially Data Centre environment with components such as HVAC, UPS, DC power, gensets, fire suppression, structured cabling etc). 

While leading a small team of network architects to deliver requirement documents, project scopes, design and installation guidelines and standards that are aligned to Asset Strategy. 

I also have an ongoing involvement in vendor and product selection (RFIs and RFPs), financial modeling (TCO, budgeting and option selection), CapEx planning, project portfolio and risk management. Interested in hi‐technology,music, mountain biking, technical analysis of stock, conversations with smart people, culture and history, psycology, macro economics and other generally non‐mainstram subjects" 

 

 

Alecia Donald   

Originally from Christchurch, Alecia is the director of Fantail Consulting ‐ a business working with small/med sized companies in the areas of operations and financial management. Previous to this Alecia owned a wine distribution company representing predominantly NZ boutique wineries. As well as loving fine wine, Alecia's other passions include great food, music, literature, travel and movies. 

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Kevin Lin   

Started own cafe business at the age of 22 after graduated from Auckland uni. Owned and traded 2 businesses in the last 5 years. Currently run an importing company speicalising in hospitality ware and equipment supplying some of the largest Auckland wholesalers. Decided a year ago to gain more exposure and understanding on business finance so currently working as a business manager in a major nz bank as well. Qualification PGdip Auckland 

 

 

Steve White   

Software Development Manager for Rakon Ltd.  Steve has 20 years experience in ICT, both in NZ and the UK.  He has worked in a range of industries including manufacturing, property, oil & gas, telecommunications and investment banking. 

 

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Ranadip Datta   

Rana has worked in banking for 7 years. 5 of which have been in Institutional Banking. He was in charge of setting up and commercialising the corporate credit card business for Westpac Institutional bank. Currently he is a relationship manger looking after a diverse set of clients for Westpac Institutional Bank. His previous work experience includes working in Standard Chartered Bank Calcutta in Corporate and Institutional Banking as a junior relationship manager.   His education covers a BCom (Accountancy) from Calcutta University and a Graduate Diploma in Marketing from MIT. 

 

Karlene Davy   

With a varied background in both Insurance and Financial Services, Karlene is currently in Compliance with in ICT twist at LeasePlan NZ Ltd, tending to such issues as information security, quality audits and business continuity planning.  Her passion is Operations Management in Financial Services, where she had the privilege of successfully leading a large team through the substantial shifts within the Funds Management sector (KiwiSaver, PIE , advisor regulations etc).  

 

 

Raktim Halder   

Raktim was a professional chef in his previous life until he was bitten by the travel bug. After extensive traveling around the world, it was time to settle down in a new 

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career path. After graduating in Information Systems, he now works as a business consultant. Qualifications: Bachelors in Hospitality, Bachelors in Information Systems, PGDip.Bus 

 

Jack Mo  

I'm currently working as a Support Consultant at Orion Health, an NZ‐based IT company serving the health sector.  Before that I worked for a couple of years at Peace Software.  I graduated from the Auckland University with a Bachelor in Software Engineering.  I am good with logical thinking and analytical type of work.  I’m also an innovative person and often come up with unique ideas and thoughts.  I don’t have too much business background but I guess the positive side is I’m not bound to traditional business thinking and can often provide different thoughts.  I'm also enthusiastic about music and I play guitar & bass. 

 

 

Helge Vahle   

German electrical engineer with NZ management experience in construction and IT services. Currently not working, but very interested in moving into Finance. Dissertation will be on a Finance related topic. Enjoy doing group fitness classes at Les Mills and good food and wine. 

 

Steven Becker   

I currently work as a Futures Trader for Genesis Energy. This entails trading electricity futures and other related financial products on the ASX 24 (formerly the Sydney Futures Exchange) to maximise Genesis' trading portfolio and mange our hedge exposures. Prior to that I worked as a Spot Trader, also for Genesis, managing our portfolio in the real‐time, wholesale electricity market. I also have experience as 

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a Foreign Exchange Dealer, and later Chief Analyst, for Tuatara Management, a corporate FX firm based in Auckland. 

 

Yadeed Lobo   

At university: a Fastway courier, an Account Executive(Sales) ‐Eagle Technology, Teaching Assistant + Library Assistant ‐ University of Auckland, Storesperson‐ Carlton Hotel, Mail Officer ‐NZPost, Research Assistant ‐ UniServices/HERA, intern ‐Siemens Automation and Drives‐ a smorgasbord of experiences.  

In the graduate program of Deloitte Consulting:  Project Manager –Deloitte Quality and Risk; Business Analyst‐ ACC; Bid Analyst‐Kordia, Telecom; Functional Defects Coordinator‐Inland Revenue Kiwisaver; Technology Analyst‐Ministry of Health/ACC; Market Analyst‐Ministry of Health; Strategy Analyst‐Deloitte Office of CEO. 

Moved to Auckland joined Metrowater: managed financial and strategic analysis (Board level), demand modelling and sales planning. Joined Watercare as Strategic Planner main role was to build financial models to integrate seven retailers into the wholesaler (Watercare).  

Outside of work, enjoy playing soccer, tennis, basketball, table tennis, running, boxing, watching movies. Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics & Communication Systems) 

Master of Engineering (Civil)‐Building Research NZ scholarship 

PGDipBusiness (University of Auckland)‐HEERF scholarship 

 

Isaac Sayal   

Isaac is a oversaes qualified dentist working as a Health & Recovery Promoter in the disability sector in New Zealand. He has worked a range of jobs in the Mental Health sector and is curruently a Team Leader managing a team of 12 multi disciplinary recovery specialists. He manages 3 contracts for the Adult Mental Health Services and supports 50 high and complex service users. He has 8 years of clinical experience working as a community dentist in rural India. He is very passionate about empowerment of the disenfranchised and building of sustainable communities. In his spare time, he loves to cook and support his church in community activities. He loves to listen to rock music and watch movies and his favourite authors are Stephen King and Michael Crichton. 

 

 

 

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Nitika Sharma   

A recruitment consultant specializing in the scientific and technical industry, I mainly recruit for the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and animal health industry from technical support staff to management sourced both locally and internationally. Prior to this, I worked for Asurequality a SOE, working with technology transfer between NZ and Singapore. I also have pharmaceutical R &D experience with a global pharmaceutical company, previously based in Auckland. From Fiji, love rugby, food and hearing people's stories.  

 

Aaron Slebos   

Currently working as a Spot Trader for Genesis Energy.  Being a spot trader involves maximising returns on our portfolio within the real time New Zealand Energy Market.  Spot trading in the NZEM is the primary method of matching electricity supply to demand in real time and setting a market price.  Prior to being a spot trader, i was business analyst involved in many IT and business change projects at Genesis Energy and Mighty River Power.  Straight out of Uni I was a VB and .Net programmer. 

 

 

Ying Liu   

Marketer specialised in brand management. Brands include The Warehouse, Harpic and Nurofen. Ying is also an ex‐advertising creative of DDB, FCB and Y&R, responsible for creating and art directing advertising campaigns. Clients include BNZ, Burger King and MITRE 10. Ying enjoys reading books, playing piano and making art in her spare time. She is getting married in February 2011 with her fiancé Peter Kutter. Qualifications:BFA (Design and Advertising), PGDipBus(Admin). 

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Shivam Naidu 

A Chartered Professional Engineer working in a consulting engineering firm providing professional services to clients in the power generation sector around the world.  Starting out in construction, Shivam moved into stormwater management systems design briefly before moving to the Hawke’s Bay for a couple of years to take up a marketing role in the energy sector. There he got back into designing energy systems then decided to move back to Auckland primarily to pursue further studies. His interests are in learning more about strategy formation and implementation within the energy industry. Motoring is his passion. Qualifications: B Tech (USP), BE (Auck), PGDipBusAdmin (Auck). 

 

 

Hamish Macdonald 

Hamish is General Manager of a small Health IT company based in Auckland. He also has interests in other entrepreneurial projects coming out of the University and University research. His background is small business and start‐up management and strategy. His particluar focus is on tech start‐ups, including high tech and bio tech. 

 

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James Hodgson 

I am a cost accountant for Cubic Defence NZ, a contract based company dealing exclusively with defence departments around the world. The role includes preparation, presentation & justification of the cost basis/financial side of our RFQ responses to both internal and external clients and managing ongoing EVMS upon award.  Over ten years experience dealing with implications of recurring & non‐recurring, FOREX, LD’s, cashflow calcs/funding lines, guarantees (advance/performance/warranty), payment profiles/LoC etc. Qualifications: PGDIPBUS (Admin) 

 

 

Richard Long 

I have around 12 years HR experience gained across the consulting, banking and finance, government and professional services industries. Since 2005 I have been with Deloitte and I am currently a Manager within the HR team. I lead a small team of operational Advisors and take responsibility for number of aspects of the Firms strategy relating to people (acquisition, retention and engagement).