Senior Management

  • Michael Barnett
    Michael Barnett
    Chief Executive

    Michael Barnett is Chief Executive of the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and a Director of both the Auckland Chamber and NZ Chambers of Commerce & Industry.
     
    Michael is Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust and is committed to their objectives of diversity in the workplace and achieving greater work-life balance.
     
    Michael was recognised by the Queen in the 2011 New Year’s Honours with a NZ Order of Merit.
  • John Lawrence
    John Lawrence
    Finance Manager

    As the Finance Manager, John is responsible for the financial performance, administration and statutory reporting of the Auckland Chamber.

    John is a member of the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants with a background of senior finance roles in the wholesale and distribution industry.



  • Sara Reyes
    Sara Reyes
    International Manager

    As International Manager, Sara heads the Auckland Chamber’s International Trade team. Her role is focused on facilitating NZ companies in their international trade activity by providing market intelligence, advice and guidance. Sara is dedicated to assisting international traders in obtaining the tools necessary to succeed in the global marketplace.

    Prior to joining the Chamber, Sara worked in a variety of account management and sales and marketing roles for iconic NZ companies such as 42BELOW Ltd. Sara has a Bachelors degree in Commerce and a Masters of International Business from the University of Auckland.
  • Chris Hewitt
    Chris Hewitt
    Marketing Manager

    Chris leads all aspects of the Chamber’s marketing function. He leads a small but talented team to create and deliver all of the Chamber’s campaigns and communications. The scope of the role is significant, from the wide array of direct member communications, to numerous radio campaigns, to Innovate, the Chamber’s magazine.
     
    Chris’ background is in event management and copy writing. He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland.

     
  • Leah Gates
    Leah Gates
    Special Projects Manager

    Leah is the Project Manager for the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. This exciting role encompasses the design, modelling, negotiation and piloting of many of the Chamber's new initiatives. This has included the employment programmes, training and business to government relationships.

    Leah spearheaded and now runs the successful CadetMax employment programme, and along with a number of exciting projects the Chamber is currently working on, has a focus on youth employment, women leadership and recruiting off-shore talent. Leah utilises her business management, project development, training and recruitment experience and an IT-savvy skill set in this varied role.

  • Murray Chapman
    Murray Chapman
    Membership Manager

    Murray is responsible for the recruitment of new members and the customer service of existing members in his role as leader of the busy Sales and Membership Services team.
     
    Murray has extensive membership experience, having previously managed the Auckland Chamber's membership team for 15 years between 1985 and 2000, and brings back his relaxed, approachable style to continue in this diverse role.
     
    In addition, Murray's personal successes include running his own promotions business and owning a motel, restaurant and bar for three years.

     
     
  • Penny Smith
    Penny Smith
    Employment Manager

    The Auckland Chamber recognises the difficulty many businesses have in employing skilled people. As Employment Division Manager, Penny's role is to source and link great job seekers with the needs of business. Penny took over the Employment Division in July 2006, delivering free recruitment services to business.

    In the first three years, this team placed over 1000 people into employment and promoted diversity and tolerance in the workplace.

    Penny has a HR background with management experience both in New Zealand and overseas. Penny also has extensive recruitment / employment experience, gained at the BBC in London.

  • Jo-Anne Cooper
    Jo-Anne Cooper
    Events Manager

    As the Events Manager, Jo-Anne is responsible for the creation, development and implementation of the events on the Chamber’s calendar.  Jo-Anne’s role is to ensure members have the opportunity to attend a wide range of informative, motivational, educational and interactive events that will assist their business success.

    Jo-Anne has an extensive background in administration and office management, and has worked as part of the Chamber events team since 2006.






  • Rebecca Seymour-East
    Rebecca Seymour-East
    Major Events Manager

    As the Manager of Major Events Rebecca is responsible for the project management of the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Conference to be held in Auckland in 2011 and the inaugural Westpac Auckland Central Business Awards.

    Rebecca joined the Chamber after working in the events industry in Singapore. She also has an extensive background in finance and a BA Hons First Class in Sociology. 


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