Top Business Leaders Appointed to Opportunity Hamilton Board

Opportunity Hamilton has appointed two of New Zealand’s top business leaders to join the economic development agency’s Board of Trustees.

Neil Richardson and John Birch bring with them more than 60 years combined business experience. Opportunity Hamilton Chair, Mavora Hamilton, says she is excited about the skills, expertise and local business knowledge both gentlemen bring to the table.

“Neil and John’s exceptional business acumen, combined with their understanding of local business issues, will enable them to make a valuable contribution to the strategic direction of the organisation,” she says.

“With Neil and John on board, Opportunity Hamilton will be even better placed to takeadvantage of opportunities to help companies in and around Hamilton build strong organisations to collectively strengthen our local economy.”

Neil Richardson has been involved with start-ups companies, multi-national corporations, joint ventures, government/public sector, and not-for-profit organisations across many industries and markets worldwide.

Neil is currently involved in a wide range of companies, including being Chairman and a Shareholder of New Zealand Home Loans, SmartTrade, and Rural Trader and a Co-Founder and major investor in Endace and Imada.

John Birch is perhaps most recognised for his role in establishing McClunie Birch Ltd (MBL) in 1989, in partnership with Tom McClunie. Since stepping aside from MBL in 2000, John has been involved in a number of diverse business interests both as an investor and also as an independent director.

He has a strong interest in corporate governance and brings a practical and pragmatic perspective to the organisations he is involved in.

John is currently involved in a number of business initiatives, including serving as a Director of WEL Networks and Hamilton International Airport.

He is also Chairman/Director/major shareholder of Get Smart Holdings Ltd and a Director of Habitat for Humanity (Central North Island)