Who we are

Richard commenced with Priority One in 2008, bringing significant experience and knowledge to this key role from his diverse background in both the private and public sectors. His experience in establishing and managing Tauranga City Council’s City Investment Programme places him in a good position to deliver on key objectives for Priority One. He also has a strong commercial background, having previously held senior management roles with Fisher and Paykel (Cellnet Mobile Services) and AMP. Richard's focus is growing and retaining Priority One’s membership, attracting highly productive and rapidly growing businesses, and facilitating the establishment of business and innovation parks such as the Harbour Central Marine Precinct.

As Communications Manager, Annie's role is to provide support in the areas of marketing and communications, project-based research and analysis, cluster group facilitation, monitoring of contracts and strategic plan delivery, management of systems and project information, and economic monitoring. Her experience includes management support/PA roles both in New Zealand and overseas. She also has a strong background in local government, particularly in the areas of finance, strategic planning and contract management.

Greg is responsible for Priority One's skills programmes as well as the development of targeted research partnerships that support and accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in the region's key industry sectors. Previously Greg worked for NZ Trade & Enterprise focusing on trade development and market access for New Zealand in Asia. He has also held export development roles with Sony and Carter Holt Harvey, and sits on the advisory committee for the Asia NZ Foundations Young Leaders network. Greg is married with three young children.

Jill provides part-time administrative support to the INSTEP programme and assists the INSTEP manager with specific projects. Her previous experience includes Executive PA roles for both Telecom and Ministry of Forestry in New Zealand, as well as various administrative positions overseas. Jill has also had experience as a business owner, running her own office administration business.

Lyn has managed the INSTEP programme since its inception in 2002. Previously she was Assistant HOD of Art and a Dean at Otumoetai College. Lyn has 20 years experience through teaching in both Primary and Secondary schools. The position of INSTEP Manager requires in depth knowledge of the school curriculum and the organisational structure within secondary schools. Lyn's role is to also interact with the business community and establish key relationships for students to gain valuable skills for the future.

Gail emigrated from the UK with her husband Neil in August 2006 and now resides in Papamoa. As Administrator/PA, Gail is responsible for ensuring the activities within the office run smoothly, managing financials through to reporting stage, coordinating events and functions, managing the website and managing Priority One’s membership. Her background includes 20 years legal experience specialising in licensed conveyancing.

Andrew joined Priority One in 2006 and took up the role of Chief Executive in 2008. He brings significant economic development experience and knowledge to the role, and has a strong strategic approach in developing the sub-region’s competitive advantages in the attraction of business and skilled people to the Bay. Prior to joining Priority One, Andrew’s career spanned 30 years in a number of competitive export-focused sectors, all of which are represented in the Bay of Plenty. These included pulp and paper, chemicals, food processing and primary sectors. Andrew moved to the Western Bay of Plenty in 1992 after buying an orchard and he continues to have an active interest and investments in the kiwifruit sector.