Entrepreneur’s start-up spirit behind governance award win

Hamiltonian and Institute of Directors (IoD) member Greg Johnston, founder and CEO of Ventureval, has won this year’s Emerging Director Award from the IoD’s Waikato branch. The award is sponsored by Everest People.

Mr Johnston will receive governance training and development to the value of $5000, including complimentary IoD membership for a year, mentoring with an experienced director, and a 12-month board role with Hamilton Airport Board.

The judges were looking for candidates who showed a practical understanding of governance principles, senior management experience, leadership and interpersonal strengths, as well as a commitment to developing the Waikato business community.

As a driven entrepreneur who is passionate about high-growth start-ups and innovative social enterprise, Greg displayed all the sought-after attributes and more, according to the judges.

Waikato branch chair Simon Lockwood says, “It was clear to us that Greg was able to confidently and effectively translate his unique experience in start-ups into governance. We are excited about Greg’s future in governance and the opportunity for him to grow his skills alongside some of the leading directors in the region on the Hamilton Airport board.”

Greg has spent most of his career working in start-ups, most recently as the CEO of Manta5. He spent over four years growing the business from two engineers with a prototype to a 30-strong team with an in-market, globally recognised water sports product - the world’s first hydrofoil bike.

He subsequently founded Ventureval to help other business and social entrepreneurs with their idea validation, strategy development, design thinking, as well as scaling and capital raising. Ventureval is a registered partner of NZTE's Regional Business Partner Network, and an advisory partner for Impact Hub Waikato.

Greg is also a scout investor for Hillfarrance, a new venture capital firm set up in the Waikato, and the chair of Seed Waikato - a local youth-led charity focused on supporting young adults with community connectedness, holistic wellness, and personal growth.

"I'm really humbled to accept this award and excited about the opportunity to attend the IoD’s CDC course and work alongside the accomplished directors on the Hamilton Airport Board. I look forward to soaking up the experience and mentorship so that, in time, I can further support the Waikato business and non-profit community," says Greg.

The award is sponsored by Everest People. 

More information

For more information, and to request interviews or images, please contact:

Branch contact

Megan Beveridge
Waikato Branch Manager
021 358 772
megan.beveridge@iod.org.nz

Media contact

Vanessa Glennie
IoD Corporate Communications Manager
027 957 0315
vanessa.glennie@iod.org.nz