From start-up to global success story

I’m probably best known as founder and CEO of AfterMail, which was acquired by Quest Software in in January 2006 and subsequently won Best Exchange Product at TechEd 2006 in Boston. You may also have heard of my current business Xero, which has been highly publicised for going from start-up to a full listing on the NZ Stock Exchange in just over a year (June 2006 – July 2007). Xero is a Software as a Service (SaaS) online accounting solution for small businesses.

My early career highlights include a lengthy stint in the USA working with leading international technology companies. Roles included co-founding US-based Context Connect Incorporated which, provides directory solutions for mobile devices and Chief Technology Officer of Advantage Group (now Provenco).

Back in New Zealand, I founded Glazier Systems, one of New Zealand’s leading software development and consulting companies, acquired by Advantage Group in 1999 and continues today as Intergen.

Through my career I’ve maintained a close relationship with Microsoft: I was selected as New Zealand’s first representative on the Microsoft MSDN Regional Director program, holding the role from 1997 to 2000 and achieved Microsoft MVP status for my work in the early days of Active Server Pages.

I’m a strong supporter of good governance. With this hat on, I was an independent director of TradeMe when it was sold to listed Australian media giant Fairfax and remain on the TradeMe Advisory Board. I joined NZ Trade & Enterprise Beachheads Programme Advisory Board in August 2006, am also a director of the New Zealand Stock Exchange, sit on the Commerce Facility Advisory Board and am a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

I have a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (BCA) from Victoria University of Wellington majoring in Accounting. Prior to having three children, I enjoyed windsurfing, surfing, mountain biking and snowboarding.

I’m proud to have received the following honours:

• Flying Kiwi Award (2009)
• admitted to the New Zealand HiTech Hall of Fame (2009)
• admitted as an Honorary Fellow of the NZ Computer Society (HFNZCS) (2008)
• acknowledged with a World Class New Zealand award (2008)
• NZ Hi-Tech Entrepreneur of the Year two years in a row (2006 and 2007)
• received the Absolutely Creatively Wellington Award in 2007.

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