Director Accelerator Lunch

Overview

This workshop is a valuable networking opportunity to work with senior directors who will equip you with information on: 

• How to win director appointments
• Hot topics that are a focus around board tables, and
• Stories that illustrate real boardroom challenges

Whether you’re looking to gain further directorships, or you’re a seasoned executive looking for your first role, this workshop will provide you with practical insights on how to promote and equip yourself to succeed.

Experienced directors will convene open discussions in small groups, with attendees expected to have considered the discussion topics that may include:

• Understanding your value proposition

How directors position themselves
Sector knowledge
Director skills
Identifying your competencies and playing to your strengths

• The different types of directorships

Advisory, not-for-profit, corporate, public, private, family governance
Pursuit of all directorships or interest-related only?
Specialist knowledge positions on boards

• Building your career as a professional director

How to prepare for a board interview
Due diligence on offers of appointment
How directors add value
Effective boardroom behaviours
Key boardroom processes
Director liabilities

• Growing your networks

If you have any specific questions you would like addressed at the workshop, please email these to the Auckland Branch Manager, Becky Hare becky.hare@iod.org.nz or telephone 027 6421099 ahead of the day.

Workshop numbers are limited to 28 participants, with four senior directors leading discussion tables. A working lunch is provided.

Facilitators

Dame Jo Brosnahan

CFInstD 

Jo is an experienced board chair in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, with a particular passion and expertise for leadership and governance.  She is currently Chair of Maritime New Zealand (the nation’s maritime agency), Chair of Harrison Grierson (NZ urban engineering and planning consultancy), and Chair of the Ambassadors for Leadership NZ.  Past governance roles over a range of sectors have included Chair of Northpower Fibre (ultra-fast broadband), Chair of Landcare Research, the board of Housing New Zealand, Chair of Taitokerau Education Trust the board of the Auckland Museum and the Advisory Board for the Centre for Brain Research.

Jo is the founder of Leadership New Zealand, which has over 700 alumni across the diversity of NZ, was Chair of the LNZ Trust for more than a decade and now chairs the ambassadors.  As a Harkness Fellow and Aspen Scholar, Jo spent a year researching leadership in the USA.  She researches and writes about leadership, develops and facilitates leadership and governance programmes, and undertakes board reviews.

Jo was previously the CEO of the Northland Regional Council and of the Auckland Regional Council.  She was awarded a QSO in 2005 for Public Services and a DNZM in the King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours in 2023 for services to governance and business.

Jonathan Mason

CFInstD

Jonathan is a Chartered Fellow of the IoD, the current Chair of the Auckland Branch Committee and also sits on the IoD National Council.  Jonathan’s experience in financial markets over the past 30 years has had a strong emphasis on emerging markets including CFO at Fonterra.   In addition, Jonathan has extensive governance experience in New Zealand and the United States.  

Previous directorships include Natixis Funds North America, Air New Zealand and Vector Ltd. He is currently director on the boards of Zespri Group Limited and a trustee for the University of Auckland.  In addition to these roles, he serves as an Honorary Adjunct Professor of Management at the University of Auckland, with a focus on accounting and finance. 

Gráinne Troute

CFInstD

Phil Doak

CMInstD

Phil has over 30 years of experience in the financial services sector.  He has held senior executive leadership positions spanning the strategy, distribution, operations, programme management and technology functions in banking and funds management organisations. He now consults to the financial services sector as a Partner in a privately owned consulting firm.  

In that capacity he leads a range of client assignments spanning governance, regulatory responses, risk management, operating model design, commercial engagements (incl M&A), technology reviews and the design and establishment of programmes of work. 

Phil’s governance background includes a range of director and oversight roles in public and privately-owned financial services entities, sports administration, and education. 

In addition to his academic qualifications, Phil has attended executive leadership programmes at both London and Harvard Business Schools. 

Host

Suneil Connor

MInstD

Suneil Connor is the Group Chief Financial Officer for Service Foods. He is a Chartered Accountant, director of KiwiHarvest and the New Zealand Food Network, committee member of Mission Bay/Kohimarama Residents Association, and board member of Auckland Foundation. 

Suneil holds the position of Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for KiwiHarvest, New Zealand Food Network and Auckland Foundation. Suneil is a Member of the IoD and joined the branch committee in February 2018 where he has been a judge on the Emerging Leader Award since 2019. 

Additional information

Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.

By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.

Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event.  See our standard terms and conditions for more information.

Contact

Becky Hare
Auckland Branch Manager

+64 27 642 1099
+64 9 905 4804
Becky.Hare@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Auckland branch acknowledges the generous support of