All CEO Interviews

DRIVEN: How technology took the V8 Supercars from local sport to international spectacle
The V8 Supercars. The name calls to mind revving engines, the classic Holden vs Ford battle, and of course, petrol heads. But putting aside the raw edge of snapped conrods and blown head gaskets in front of baying Mt Panorama fans for a moment, it becomes apparent that the modern day V8 Supercars race is, in fact, a tech enthusiast’s dream.

With high-performance automotive tuning equipment and sophisticated multimedia, the cutting-edge tech required for modern-day V8 racing means that you’re just as likely to find a team of computer engineers in the pit as you are to find grease-monkeys...
Read More

Ten tips for winning online: Luke Howard-Willis, Torpedo 7
A Hamilton mountain bike rider turned his sporting interest into a multi-million online venture, not just in New Zealand, but in Australia which now accounts for at least 50% of the income. Buoyed by his proven flair for success, he has expanded into other online ventures...
Read More

How to become a standout company – whatever the economic weather
IBM recently conducted a global survey of over 1,500 chief executives, including 81 from Australia and NZ, and found it is the ‘change animals’ who are not only emerging from the economic meltdown intact, but have even grown during the recession…
Read More

PwC's CEO, Bruce Hassall: Navigating stormy weather
PwC's chief executive, Bruce Hassall, took the helm in September, in a tough 2009. But, with some strategic help from technology, he's set fair ahead...
Read More

Mobility Man: Graham O'Keeffe, CEO SkyWire
Just over a decade since the founding of mobility systems integration specialist, SkyWire, CEO Graham O'Keeffe looks back on changes in the mobility market and considers its special affinity with the modern supply chain. Heather Caulfield caught up with Graham in Sydney recently…
Read More

Beefeater CEO, Craig McKell - Beefing up Beefeater for the social networking age
Turning the blokey ‘mates’ barbecue and oven-maker into a company whose products appeal to the whole market – including women – is the aim of the iconic company’s new CEO. Johanna Bennett talks to BeefEater Barbecue’s Craig McKell...
Read More

Interview: Jonathan Rubinsztein - Red Rock banishes recession blues
Oracle applications and technology specialist Red Rock Consulting is flourishing, despite the economic downturn. CEO Jonathan Rubinsztein explains why customer support helps everyone...
Read More

Taylors Wines MD, Mitchell Taylor: Wine it's a technical business
The romantic industry is underpinned by several technologies that help ensure quality, consistent vintages. Mitchell Taylor, managing director of Clare Valley family wine-maker Taylors Wines, tells Johanna Bennett how the company refines its award-winning wines, and about the processes that underlie its success...
Read More

Frucor MD, Mark Cowsill: The 'V' word
One-time apple juicing company Frucor has juiced up its business beyond Just Juice with the aid of ‘V’, MiZone and other innovative products – along with some custom-built technology, and grown to ten times its original size. It is now poised to go global with new Japanese owner Suntory...
Read More

Switched on CEO: Surf's (Still) Up! Stephen Kay, Rip Curl
As it approaches its 40th birthday, iconic Aussie surf brand Rip Curl is in the midst of a technology and systems overhaul designed to deliver consistency and give its management team state-of-the-art decision making tools...
Read More

Switched on CFO: Peter Gregg, Qantas
While many airlines are struggling to survive, Qantas continues to deliver an excellent bottom line result, while consistently winning a host of “best airline” awards. At the heart of the airline’s success is its constantly evolving IT strategy. We talk to the man in the pilot seat when it comes to financing that vital IT investment...
Read More

Switched on CIO: Darryl Warren, Lion Nathan
As it looks ahead after its acquisition of Tasmania brewer J. Boag & Son, Lion Nathan’s sales look likely to top $2 billion this financial year. Underpinning all this, as CIO Darryl Warren reveals, is a very diverse IT infrastructure...
Read More

Switched on CEO: Ralph Norris, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Two years into his role as CEO and managing director of the Commonwealth Bank, Ralph Norris has used his thorough understanding of IT to drive through massive internal change and turn poor customer service on its head...
Read More

Switched on CEO: Mark Franklin, Vector
Vector began as Auckland’s electricity lines company but its acquisition of United Networks and more recently NGC transformed the company into one of New Zealand’s most significant energy infrastructure businesses. We caught up with CEO Mark Franklin who gave us his insights on how technology is helping Vector to manage its assets and staff, and serve its customers on a large scale...
Read More

Switched on CEO: Andrew Ferrier, Fonterra
When you are selling to customers in 140 countries you need robust systems to manage day to day operations as well as to stay on top of currency and commodity price fluctuations. Michael Foreman interviewed Fonterra CEO Andrew Ferrier (pictured) to find out how technology is being harnessed at the global dairy company...
Read More

Geoff Ross: 42Below Liquor Legend
Four years ago 42 Below vodka was still being distilled in a garage. Now the spirits firm is New Zealand’s fastest growing listed company. Michael Foreman persuaded founder and CEO Geoff Ross to reveal some of the behind-the-scenes technology which is helping to manage this success...
Read More

Greg Muir: The IT thinking behind Pumpkin Patch’s growth
In the first of a regular series of interviews with leading CEOs, iStart caught up with Greg Muir, executive chairman of Pumpkin Patch, to gain his insights on the application of technology in a rapidly growing international business...
Read More