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OUR PEOPLE
MEET OUR TEAM
As the home and voice of Canterbury business, we are here to help. Our people have been carefully selected to represent and support the needs across our diverse business community, each bringing their extensive knowledge to help Canterbury business thrive. As a member of Business Canterbury, you are entitled to complimentary advice from our team of experts.
Need some help? Contact Us Today and one of the team will be happy to offer assistance,
Not a member? Contact our membership team to hear more about what we can do for your business.
Keen to contact one of the team? Hover over their picture for ways to contact them directly.
- Leadership
- Customer & Partnerships
- HR, ER, Health & Safety
- Learning, Development & Events
- Export & Manufacturing
- Business Growth
- Marketing & Communications
- Finance & IT
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TOUCH
Leeann Watson
Chief ExecutiveCreating inspirational leadership and a culture of innovation for Business Canterbury and being a raving enthusiast for the city, region and our business community.Send email
Leeann Watson
Chief Executive
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Laura Hill
General ManagerA people and culture enthusiast with a passion for business operations and technology. My true passion is building high-performing teams where individuals thrive, and innovation flourishes.Send email
Laura Hill
General Manager
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Tait Dench
Marketing, Communications & Advocacy Manager
Passionate about creating a thriving business environment and driving meaningful change for local industries.
Send email
Tait Dench
Marketing, Communications & Advocacy Manager
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Genevieve Thornley
Business Services ManagerThrowing passion and a bit of fun into service design for the development and wellbeing of individuals, organisations, and communities.Send email
Genevieve Thornley
Business Services Manager
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Grant McEwan
Finance ManagerOverseeing Business Canterbury's financial and IT affairs to ensure sound financial management and fiscal stability for our organisation.Send email
Grant McEwan
Finance Manager
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Maxine Muscroft
Executive AssistantServing as a cornerstone of efficiency, enabling productivity and enhancing the impact of the Executive Team.Send email
Maxine Muscroft
Executive Assistant
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Kiley Charteris
Partnership & Sales ManagerA people-first advocate dedicated to building strong business relationships, driving strategic partnerships, and delivering value to our members.Send email
Kiley Charteris
Partnership & Sales Manager
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Julian Hagger
Relationship Manager & Admin SupportFocused on building strong partnerships and providing tailored support to Invest members, offering personalised assistance and connecting businesses with valuable resources to drive growth and success.Send email
Julian Hagger
Relationship Manager & Admin Support
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Parth Malhotra
Sales Account ManagerDedicated to building strong relationships and driving membership growth, offering tailored solutions and exceptional service to help businesses thrive and achieve their goals.Send email
Parth Malhotra
Sales Account Manager
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Monica Shepherd
Receptionist/Export Documentation AdvisorKnown for her exceptional customer service, humor, and attention to detail, Monica manages export documentation with accuracy and compliance, delivering a friendly and professional experience every time.Send email
Monica Shepherd
Receptionist/Export Documentation Advisor
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Michael Prisk
HR/ER ConsultantI’m passionate about helping businesses build healthy, supportive workplaces where people thrive. From offering practical HR consultancy to running training sessions and sharing insights through blogs, I’m here to make HR simple and effective for our members.
Michael Prisk
HR/ER Consultant
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Suyaka Gutama
Training and Events AdministratorA dedicated Training and Events Administrator who creates seamless, memorable experiences with exceptional customer service, ensuring every training session and event is organised, impactful, and enjoyable for all involved.
Suyaka Gutama
Training and Events Administrator
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John Hamilton
Business Advisor - ManufacturingWith nearly 20 years in Christchurch and Canterbury's dynamic manufacturing sector, I’ve built a strong industry network, helping local manufacturers boost productivity and profitability through technology, best practices, and expert support.
John Hamilton
Business Advisor - Manufacturing
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Daniel Thomson
Business & Global Trade AdvisorWith nearly a decade of experience as a business owner and products retailed across Australasia and the US, I now specialise in helping local importers and exporters succeed in global trade at Business Canterbury.
Daniel Thomson
Business & Global Trade Advisor
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Monica Shepherd
Export Documentation Advisor/ ReceptionistKnown for her exceptional customer service, humor, and attention to detail, Monica manages export documentation with accuracy and compliance, delivering a friendly and professional experience every time.Send email
Monica Shepherd
Export Documentation Advisor/ Receptionist
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Jason MacRae
Business Growth Advisor - Mid Canterbury and SelwynDedicated to supporting local businesses in achieving sustainable growth by identifying opportunities, providing strategic guidance, and connecting them with resources to drive success and foster regional development.
Jason MacRae
Business Growth Advisor - Mid Canterbury and Selwyn
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Tyler Culling
Business AdvisorAs a Business Advisor with the Regional Business Partnership program, I'm dedicated to helping businesses thrive by providing personalised guidance, facilitating access to resources, and supporting growth strategies across diverse industries.
Tyler Culling
Business Advisor
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John Hamilton
Business Advisor - ManufacturingWith nearly 20 years in Christchurch and Canterbury's dynamic manufacturing sector, I’ve built a strong industry network, helping local manufacturers boost productivity and profitability through technology, best practices, and expert support.
John Hamilton
Business Advisor - Manufacturing
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Jagdev Sidhu
Business AdvisorAs a Business Advisor with the Regional Business Partnership program, I’m focused on empowering local businesses to grow and succeed by providing tailored advice, connecting them with funding, and helping navigate opportunities to achieve their goals.
Jagdev Sidhu
Business Advisor
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Daniel Thomson
Business & Global Trade AdvisorWith nearly a decade of experience as a business owner and products retailed across Australasia and the US, I now specialise in helping local importers and exporters succeed in global trade at Business Canterbury.
Daniel Thomson
Business & Global Trade Advisor
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Hannah Weeds
Brand and Engagement Specialist
Expert in building strong brand identities, developing strategic social campaigns, and driving customer engagement, passionate about creating meaningful connections that deliver lasting impact and drive business growth.
Hannah Weeds
Brand and Engagement Specialist
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Mel Rushton
Digital Marketing SpecialistExpert in creating impactful digital campaigns and strategies that drive growth while promoting environmental and social responsibility, passionate about aligning business goals with sustainable practices to deliver long-term value.
Mel Rushton
Digital Marketing Specialist
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Georgia Walker
Marketing and Communications CoordinatorSpecialises in digital content creation, public relations and project coordination, focusing on innovating existing systems and adding value to all aspects of marketing and communications.
Georgia Walker
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
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Markus Koelbl
Digital Analyst/Support CoordinatorFocused on optimising digital tools and supporting teams, with expertise in data analysis and troubleshooting to enhance productivity and deliver efficient system solutions.Send email
Markus Koelbl
Digital Analyst/Support Coordinator
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Kerry Bannon
Accounts & Payroll SpecialistManaging cash flow with precision, expert in credit control, payroll, and accounts management to keep finances running smoothly.Send email
Kerry Bannon
Accounts & Payroll Specialist