Where Kiwi explorers connect and
make a difference

Toni was appointed as Chief Executive of Kea in 2020. With a background in digital business across the UK, US and New Zealand, Toni brings experience in both the private and public sector. Alongside an interest in data, technology and innovation, Toni has a true passion for people seeing them as her strongest ingredient for success. In her spare time, Toni enjoys yoga and spending time in the outdoors.

Mel Lim is Kea’s Global Partnerships & Engagement Director. Mel has 15 years experience across corporate partnerships & events management in NZ and Australia. A connector of people and business, Mel believes in the power of communities and collaboration to create impactful, sustainable change. A foodie at heart, Mel also supports Everybody Eats, a charity whose mission is to reduce food waste, food poverty & social isolation in NZ.

Ele Quigan is Kea's Global Communications & Community Director. Ele has 17 years experience across advertising and media in NZ and the UK. With a strategic head and creative heart Ele is passionate about bringing our Kea story to a global audience. A "bird nerd" and keen gardener since coming back home, Ele loves the amazing, great outdoors of New Zealand.

Saya Wahrlich is Kea’s Global Director for Government and Industry. Saya has 20 years experience in both the private and public sector, spanning senior digital, marketing and general management roles in largely B2B businesses. Most recently while at NZTE she developed and launched Digital Clinics, working with over 250 Kiwi exporting businesses through lockdown to help build digital capability and uncover talent and technology gaps.

Shivana manages the Kea Connect service and helps Kiwi businesses achieve global scale by leveraging the expertise of our Kea members. Previously an employment lawyer and recruitment partner, Shivana is passionate about enabling growth and helping others thrive. As an aspiring entrepreneur herself, she loves working with Kiwi founders who are out there solving real-world problems.

Roselle Usherwood is Kea's Partnerships and Events Manager. Roselle has come from a background in events management and human resources having been based in both New Zealand and the UK. She is passionate about seeing Kiwi's joining forces to support global aspirations and promote the amazing talent within our country.

Eleanor has completed a Bachelor of Science in human geography and environmental science. She comes with research and administration experience from her roles with the Auckland Museum and the Electoral Commission. She's passionate about her environment and has aspirations to further her research on New Zealanders and our great community.

Ciara was born in China and raised in NZ, she gained a Psychology degree in the University of Auckalnd before moving to Beijing. After working for several years in PR, Marketing and luxury goods, she is determined to become more engaged with home. With deep roots in both countries, Ciara is passionate about connecting Kiwis and their businesses to people and resources, helping them to flourish locally.

Sara a graduate of the University of Waikato with broad experience working globally for wineries and wine companies including Constellation New Zealand, Man O’ War Vineyards and Seresin Estate in a variety of sales and marketing positions. For the last nine years based from the UK, with her Kiwi husband Tim, and London born but very Kiwi son Jack, they continue to discover the world and share their love of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Phil is Chair of Kea. He was previously the Chief Executive of Rangatira, a middle-market investment company based in Wellington, New Zealand. Before joining Rangatira, Phil was based in New York City as a Partner at Growfire, a middle market advisory and investment firm, and Partner & Managing Director at PIPC (acquired by Cognizant in 2010). Earlier in his career, Phil worked for engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald on site roles in

Craig Donaldson is Kea’s Global CEO and a member of Kea’s Board of Directors. He has over 25 years’ experience working in the financial sector, having held a number of executive positions in major financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank and RBS. Craig holds board positions across a range of sectors and provides business advice and mentorship through his involvement with the Icehouse and the University of Auckland.

As Chief Product Officer at Xero Anna leads Xero’s global product team, overseeing the design and build of beautiful products and services that small businesses and advisors need to thrive. Anna is a member of the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council, which influences the initiatives the government creates to supercharge the economy. Anna has over 20 years’ experience in the finance and technology industry and was name

Emma is Co-Founder and Chair of Volcano Coffee Works, a leading London based Specialty Coffee Roastery. During her 20 years in London, she was a founding member and executive of three Ad Tech and Digital Media businesses, all of which delivered successful exits. Emma now sits on a number of Boards, in the private and public sector. She holds a Masters Degree in Criminology.

Young Ly is the Chief Executive Officer of Serato, world leaders in audio technology. A position that has given him practical experience with international business and global partnerships. With 20 years of technology leadership, Young’s history includes running Air New Zealand’s Innovation and Ventures team and co-founding a games company.

Experienced Recruitment Leader with 20+ years of experience working across the globe with a focus in Emerging Markets (including Asia Pacific, Latin America, Central Eastern Europe, Russia and Middle East and Africa). Strong human resources professional who has worked across multiple industries (including Banking and Finance, Internet, Technology, Telecommunications and Construction).

Founder and CEO of Newfound Global, Peter is an expert in helping global technology companiesgrow in existing markets and expand into new ones. He is an active investor and advisor in multiple B2B tech businesses and lends his deep experience on talent acquisition and development to good effect. A dual UK and NZ citizen Peter has lived in London for mor ethan 30 years and works globally with Newfound and their clients. Peter has been Ch

Reuben is Head of Tourism & Regional Affairs at Air New Zealand. He has lived and worked in six countries in both the private and public sectors. This includes having served as New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines and as Ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR. Reuben has also worked in international trade negotiations, and as a financial markets advocate in the City of London.

Sir Stephen co-founded Kea in 2001, and remains a prominent entrepreneur and venture capital investor contributing seed and venture capital into Kiwi start-up companies, particularly those focused on the global marketplace.

Dr. David J. Teece is a renowned organizational economist and an authority on matters of technological change, and innovation. He has over thirty years of experience as an active advisor to businesses and governments around the world. He co-founded Kea in 2001 to recognize that New Zealand’s borders are not defined by its geography.