Senior Management

Michael Barnett

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Michael Barnett is Chief Executive of the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and a Director of both the Auckland Chamber and NZ Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

Michael is Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust and is committed to their objectives of diversity in the workplace and achieving greater work-life balance.

Michael was recognised by the Queen in the 2011 New Year’s Honours with a NZ Order of Merit.

P 09 302 9916

John Lawrence

FINANCE MANAGER
As the Finance Manager, John is responsible for the financial performance, administration and statutory reporting of the Auckland Chamber.

John is a member of the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants with a background of senior finance roles in the wholesale and distribution industry.

P 09 302 9912

Nathalie Malfeyt

INTERNATIONAL MANAGER
Nathalie Malfeyt joins the Chamber after 18 years based in Europe and Asia working in the banking industry. Her background in trade and commodity finance and subsequently private wealth management for Coutts & Co in London, and her previous experience working with Chambers of Commerce overseas makes her well-placed to lead the international team at the Chamber.

Nathalie’s key focuses intitally are to encourage business with China, to keep track of the New Zealand political climate and the opportunities and challenges this poses for businesses, as well as keeping the spotlight on Pacific Island trade.

Nathalie is of Dutch origin, and says that it is a dream come true to come and live and work in New Zealand.

“I look forward to helping Auckland businesses progress with their exporting and international ambitions, “ she says.

Please contact Nathalie for help with any international business needs.

P 09 375 3946

Penny Smith

EMPLOYMENT MANAGER
The Auckland Chamber recognises the difficulty many businesses have in employing skilled people. As Employment Division Manager, Penny's role is to source and link great job seekers with the needs of business. Penny took over the Employment Division in July 2006, delivering free recruitment services to business.

In the first three years, this team placed over 1000 people into employment and promoted diversity and tolerance in the workplace.

Penny has a HR background with management experience both in New Zealand and overseas. Penny also has extensive recruitment / employment experience, gained at the BBC in London.

M 027 254 2525

Taryn Ellis

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
As marketing and communications strategist for the Chamber, Taryn is involved in all aspects of the Chamber's product and service delivery.

Taryn is passionate about communication and connection - reaching you with relevant, engaging, informative insights into the incredible range of products and services the Chamber provides its members.

Taryn has twenty years’ management, consulting and coaching experience in all aspects of service marketing, communications, relationship development and personal-professional development. She has worked in the private sector for SME’s; with local and regional governments and NGO’s; and as an independent consultant with her own clients.

Her working style is collaborative and consultative and very hands-on. Members and stakeholders are encouraged to contact Taryn directly. Taryn firmly believes in the age old adage ‘many hands make light work.’

P 09 375 3942

Jo-anne Cooper

EVENTS & TRAINING MANAGER
As the Events and Training Manager, Jo-Anne is responsible for the creation, development and implementation of the events and training on the Chamber’s calendar. Jo-Anne’s role is to ensure members have the opportunity to attend a wide range of informative, motivational, educational and interactive events and training that will assist their business success.

Jo-Anne has an extensive background in administration and office management, and has worked as part of the Chamber events team since 2006.

P 09 302 9913

Rebecca Seymour East

MAJOR EVENTS MANAGER
As the Manager of Major Events, Rebecca is responsible for the project management of the prestigious annual Westpac Auckland Business Awards.

Rebecca joined the Chamber after working in the events industry in Singapore. She also has an extensive background in finance and a BA Hons First Class in Sociology.

P 09 302 9910

Glenys Crawford

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER
Glenys is passionate about business, her clients and how she can add value to your business.

As the Membership Manager, Glenys will provide new members with support and potential members with information about the extensive services and fantastic networking opportunities offered by the Chamber.

Glenys has had extensive experience in managing client relationships, account management teams and business practices. She has helped clients manage and implement their brand communications in print and online for over 20 years.

A long association with the Chamber means Glenys has a great deal of knowledge about what the Chamber can offer its members. Her first involvement with the Chamber was over 10 years ago when she pitched and won the Auckland Chamber of Commerce print business for rebranding and other print work.

M 021 811 093