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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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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Jeremy Hanna
Chief Operating OfficerDriving operational excellence and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture to empower Canterbury's business community.Send email
Jeremy Hanna
Chief Operating Officer
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Tait Dench
Head of Advocacy and Strategy
Passionate about advocating for members, advancing strategy and championing Canterbury’s business community.
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Tait Dench
Head of Advocacy and Strategy
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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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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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Clare Whitworth
Sales Account ManagerCommitted to driving membership growth and client satisfaction, offering customised solutions, and building strong relationships to support member success and contribute to regional development.Send email
Clare Whitworth
Sales Account Manager
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Justine Johnson
Receptionist/Export Documentation AdvisorThe first point of contact at Business Canterbury, providing a warm welcome to all while supporting businesses with export documentation to ensure smooth, compliant trade.Send email
Justine Johnson
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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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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Charmaine Visser
Business Advisor - Global TradeAs a Business Advisor and former business owner, I’m here to help you navigate support, seize growth opportunities, and tackle challenges. With practical insights and a collaborative approach, I’ll work with you to create solutions and connections tailored to your business.
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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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Charmaine Visser
Business Advisor - Global TradeAs a Business Advisor and former business owner, I’m here to help you navigate support, seize growth opportunities, and tackle challenges. With practical insights and a collaborative approach, I’ll work with you to create solutions and connections tailored to your business.
Charmaine Visser
Business Advisor - Global Trade
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Hannah Weeds
Brand and Engagement Specialist + Bold Company HostExpert in building strong brand identities, developing strategic social campaigns, and driving customer engagement, passionate about creating meaningful connections that deliver lasting community impact and drive commercial growth.
Hannah Weeds
Brand and Engagement Specialist + Bold Company Host
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Georgia Walker
Marketing and Communications CoordinatorSpecialises in digital content creation, public/media relations, and marketing coordination, bringing fresh ideas and creativity to every project. Passionate about storytelling and enhancing the user journey through innovative communications.
Georgia Walker
Marketing and Communications 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
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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