Damian Lynch

About Damian

Damian Lynch is General Manager Merchandise at Foodstuffs South Island, one of New Zealand's largest co-operatives. He leads a major commercial function responsible for supplier partnerships, category strategy and delivering value for customers, members and stakeholders.

His career spans executive leadership positions across retail, agribusiness, international business, economic development and technology commercialisation. Throughout his career Damian has developed a strong track record in strategy development, organisational transformation, commercial growth and building high-performing teams.

Alongside his executive career, Damian has held a number of governance roles across education, industry and commercial organisations. These have included Chairing a School Board, Director of small agri-tech business, Director of a public research consortium and governance roles within industry organisations.

Damian started out with under graduate and post graduate degrees in science and has completed executive education programmes at Stanford Graduate School of Business and Deloitte's Asia/Pacific CEO Readiness Programme.

A long-time Cantabrian with Southland roots, Damian is passionate about helping organisations combine strategic clarity, strong culture and sustainable growth. Outside work he enjoys cycling, cooking, supporting Southland rugby and spending time with his wife and three children. 

Based on Business Canterbury's purpose, vision and current strategy, how do you see your skills and experience contributing?

Business Canterbury's ambition to grow its influence, expand its reach and build a commercially sustainable future strongly resonates with my own experience and interests.

Throughout my career I have worked across science, technology, international business, economic development, agribusiness and retail. I have led organisational transformation, strategy development, commercial growth initiatives and capability building in complex and highly competitive environments. Today, as General Manager Merchandise at Foodstuffs South Island, I work with large-scale supplier partnerships, strategic investment decisions, technology-enabled change and long-term business planning.

I believe I could contribute to Business Canterbury's next stage of growth by bringing a practical combination of commercial leadership, governance experience and future-focused thinking. I am particularly interested in helping organisations identify where they can differentiate, then align strategy, people, culture and investment behind that ambition.

Business Canterbury has an increasingly important role to play in helping Canterbury businesses navigate change, build capability and remain competitive. I’m keen to contribute to that mission and help strengthen the organisation's impact, influence and long-term sustainability.

Tell us about your relevant experience, expertise and the skills you would bring to the Board.

My experience spans executive leadership, governance, strategy, commercial growth and organisational transformation across both New Zealand and international markets.

In executive roles I have been responsible for long-term strategic planning, large-scale commercial partnerships, investment decisions, business performance, supply chain strategy and revenue growth. I currently lead a major commercial function at Foodstuffs South Island, overseeing supplier relationships, commercial negotiations and strategic category development across a complex business environment.

I have significant experience leading technology-enabled transformation programmes, including business process improvement, digital capability development and enterprise technology initiatives. Earlier in my career I worked in science, technology commercialisation, economic development and international business, providing broad exposure to innovation-led growth and strategic investment decisions.

My governance experience includes extensive Board engagement at a leadership level, Chairing a School Board, Director of small agri-tech business, Director of a public research consortium and governance roles within industry organisations. These roles have strengthened my understanding of governance, risk management, strategy, stakeholder engagement and organisational stewardship.

Why are you interested in joining Business Canterbury's Board?

Business Canterbury is at an exciting point in its evolution. Its ambition to become New Zealand's most influential business organisation, while increasing its impact and reach, is really important for our region.

I am interested in joining the Board because I believe strong business communities play a critical role in the long-term success of regions. Canterbury has significant momentum, with businesses investing, innovating and growing despite ongoing economic and global challenges. Organisations such as Business Canterbury have an increasingly important role in helping businesses connect, adapt and succeed.

I would enjoy the opportunity to contribute my experience in strategy, commercial growth, governance and organisational transformation to support Business Canterbury's ambitions. I am motivated by helping create long term growth and I believe this organisation is uniquely positioned to advocate for business, strengthen capability and help shape Canterbury's future prosperity.

As a local business leader, community volunteer and parent, I care deeply about the future success of Canterbury's businesses and communities. I would be proud to contribute to the next chapter of Business Canterbury's growth and influence.