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Telecom Retail CEO Chris Quin has taken over as chair replacing Greg Cross who is leaving the board as his own entrepreneurial activities demand more of his time offshore.
Long standing ICEHOUSE board member and Dean of The University of Auckland Business School, Greg Whittred said, “Greg has been an exceptional leader in his three years as Chair of The ICEHOUSE and as a Director for six years. Greg has led the strengthening of our financial model and a major refresh of our board and we sincerely thank him for his excellent governance and passion for Kiwi business.”
“As one of New Zealand’s most experienced and highly respected businessmen, we welcome Chris as Chair and his passion and commitment for the success and growth of New Zealand businesses as we guide The ICEHOUSE into another exciting growth phase,” he added.
Chris is a well-known leader in the business community. He is a member of Telecom’s Leadership Team and until recently was CEO of Gen-i Australasia, where he built Gen-i’s position to a market leader. Chris has played an active role in the ICT industry as board member for NZICT, the New Centre for Social Innovation and for four years for The ICEHOUSE.
“I am excited about the opportunity to chair The ICEHOUSE complemented by a very strong and entrepreneurial Board. Our Board members have deep expertise across a range of industry sectors and valuable global networks that we will draw on to support The ICEHOUSE’s goal to be a significant player in the growth of internationally capable Kiwi businesses.”
“This country’s entrepreneurs and owner managed businesses are the economic engine for New Zealand,” he added. “Many of these businesses have the capability to take their innovative technology, or their ingenious business to markets beyond New Zealand. But, in order to strengthen their business they often need to expand their management capability through learning and networking. They may also need access to capital and introductions to potential offshore customers. Combined, this will give Kiwi businesses the best chance of success. “
“The board’s aspiration is to enable The ICEHOUSE to deliver 1000 internationally capable, competitive and ultimately successful organisations by 2020. This is an ambitious goal. But, if The ICEHOUSE is successful, the result will have a material impact on the economic performance of thousands of Kiwi organisations. I am delighted to be Chair of The ICEHOUSE and to see this goal delivered for New Zealand’s accelerated business growth.”
About The ICEHOUSE
Named one of the top 10 business growth hubs in the world by Forbes magazine, The ICEHOUSE is a business growth centre focused on developing owner-managers and entrepreneurs who will shape the future of New Zealand’s economy. The organisation provides advice and funding for start-ups, a series of learning & development & coaching programmes for owner managed businesses and access to networks and talent that enable the businesses to achieve their growth aspirations.
The ICEHOUSE is backed by the financial support and expertise of the University of Auckland Business School, BNZ, HP, NZTE, Gen-I, Telecom, ATEED, KPMG, JB Were, Microsoft, AJ Park, Paul Diver and Associates and Grafton Consulting Group. Since 2001 The ICEHOUSE has worked with over 4,500 ambitious owner managers – from start-ups to established multi-million dollar companies.