Meet the people behind the magic.
OUR PEOPLE
STEFAN KORN
Chief Executive
“The immense personal and professional growth that results from having to create something out of nothing.”
CONTACT STEFAN
JACKY LAVERTY
Head of Venture Management
“I’m inspired by and love the energy of startup businesses, the pioneering mindset and the need to embrace change – every day.”
CONTACT JACKY
SONYA ISHIMNIKOVA
Community Coordinator
“It’s contagious being in a space filled with people who facilitate the growth of other peoples futures. Can’t help but feel proud of that.”
CONTACT SONYA
BRETT CALTON
Senior Innovation Specialist
“I enjoy helping large organisations realise value from the methods and approaches employed by the start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystems.”
CONTACT BRETT
NICK CHURCHOUSE
Head of People & Practice
“Startup is the energy, passion, ambition and momentum inside every person we meet. You can’t not love that.”
CONTACT NICK
KATY MCLEAN
Venue & Events Manager
“The people! A common thread knits us all together – our courage, energy and adaptability. We don’t do anything because we should – we do it because we have an impact.”
CONTACT KATY
AMELIA DEVINE
Head of Operations
“Seeing big things happen in very short periods of time, seeing people jump straight back up after failure and build better businesses because of what they’ve learnt – it’s a privilege to be a part of.”
CONTACT AMELIA
TOM RABONE
1st Assembly Manager
“Solid startup development is the perfect combination of structure, strategy and creativity.”
CONTACT TOM
LINGY AU
Innovation Specialist & Programme Director
“I love the people, motivation, enthusiasm each individual has to achieve something great!”
CONTACT LINGY
JAX MYERS
Sales Administrator
“Being surrounded by people who chose to commit and take the leap is electric. “
CONTACT JAX
LAURA REITEL
Portfolio Manager & Programme Director
“Finding a repeatable, scalable customer acquisition model is the toughest (and the most rewarding) challenge for any startups. My favourite part about working with founders is figuring out that magic formula.”
CONTACT LAURA
JONNIE HADDON
Innovation Specialist & Programme Director
“Working closely with people who are on the front-line of bringing positive and significant improvement to our world is not just exciting but a privilege.”
CONTACT JONNIE
JAMES SWOPE
Innovation Specialist & Programme Manager
“Working with so many passionate people has me constantly excited and wanting to help as many startups as possible.”
CONTACT JAMES
KELLY DARE
Head of Marketing
“We weave the future and help people become part of the New Zealand success story, whether they are in startups, businesses or government agencies.”
CONTACT KELLY
CEARA MCAULIFFE-BICKERTON
Innovation Specialist & Programme Coordinator
“I love meeting entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact on the world.”
CONTACT CEARA
FINN LAWRENCE
Innovation Specialist
“Clients and startups who seek out Creative HQ are looking for ways to work smarter and more effectively in a world that’s changing quickly – it’s a pleasure to work alongside people and organisations who are building the future.”
CONTACT FINN
KELCEY BRAINE
Brand & Design Coordinator
“Being able to work with passionate, motivated teams to help them reach their goals is so satisfying – and getting to do it surrounded by a community of like-minded people inspires me to grow continuously.”
CONTACT KELCEY
BRETT HOLLAND
Head of Acceleration
“The chance to work with dedicated and creative people to collectively change the world.”
CONTACT BRETT
ALAN HUCKS
Head of Business Development
“Entrepreneurial talent is everywhere in New Zealand – startups, Universities, Corporations and even Government. I am passionate about connecting these change agents to opportunities to create real and positive impact.”
CONTACT ALAN
AARON POWER
Innovation Coordinator & Programme Manager
“I love how it simultaneously ignites and challenges my talents, wits and courage.”
CONTACT AARON
STEPH BENSEMAN
Innovation Specialist
“There’s nothing more inspiring than being around teams of motivated and energetic people everyday who are determined on making a positive impact.”
CONTACT STEPH
GLENN ANDERT
Head of Enterprise Innovation
“I have the privilege of working with great teams to create innovative solutions for big gnarly problems.”
CONTACT GLENN
JAMES FULLER
Senior Innovation Specialist
“I get a real kick out of being part of a passionate team that helps others to fulfill their potential, helping startups embrace innovation, agility and customer-centricity in everything they do.”
CONTACT JAMES
LUKE BALL
Startup Venture Manager
“Building a great business is incredibly hard and I love the growth that comes with it.”
CONTACT LUKE
OUR BOARD
BARRY BROOK
“So happy to be part of a great team doing amazing things.”
SUSAN REYNOLDS
“The irrepressible optimism and creativity, which is always combined with a hunger to make a difference, inspires me every day!”
RICHARD LAVERTY
“I love the excitement of something, new, smart and game-changing, being part of an open, learning and supportive community, and gaining insight into what’s changing on the margins of world we know today.”
