OUR DIRECTORS

John is the Executive Director of Ignition Partner Ltd, which negotiates strategic alliance deals internationally and raises capital for New Zealand's high-growth companies. He is Chairman of CLIM Systems Ltd, a Director and shareholder in Resin & Wax Holdings Ltd and a Director of Cawthron Institute. He is an expert reviewer for MBIE and Callaghan Innovation. A chemical engineer with corporate development and Venture Capital experience, John helps companies to commercialise technologies. 

John picked up line management and corporate development experience working for Fernz Corporation Ltd for 15 years during its growth phase. Experience included licensing technologies, protecting IP and growth, through internal development and external acquisition. The company expanded in industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals and animal health products to reach sales of $1bn. After Fernz, John set up Caltech Capital Partners, one of the early Venture Capital firms in NZ, before setting up Ignition Partner Ltd. 

John is a fellow if IChemE, Engineering NZ and a member of IOD. He has a BE in Chemical and Materials, an ME in environmental engineering and a DipBIA. He is also a Chartered Engineer and a Chartered Scientist. He is a past President of IPENZ. 

Francois has 14 years board experience as a company director and 18 years governance experience with not for profit organisations. Francois brings strength to boards as a strategic thinker with experience and skills in engineering, health & safety compliance, financial management, strategic planning, HR management, business development, negotiation and contracting, environmental performance and compliance monitoring, project management consulting, natural resources and water, policy, planning and regulations and RMA management. 

Francois Tumahai is currently the Kaiwhakahaere (Chairman) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae.  

Iain is the co-Founder and a Director of Nanolayr Ltd (previously Revolution Fibres Ltd). Iain has been deeply involved in nanofibre production and the development of many unique products in the past twelve years. Iain co-founded Revolution Fibres in 2009 and led the business from 2012 as CEO and Chair, taking it from a small start-up to a recognized leader in nanofibre production.

Iain has recently moved from the Technical Director role – to focus on governance and keeping Nanolayr at the forefront of textiles innovation as part of a Technology Scout and “evangelist” of nanofibre.  Iain has an extensive network of scientists and colleagues world-wide in advanced materials, filtration and textiles.

Iain is a scientist (BSc, Biochemistry) with a background in environmental health, government policy, product development and sales. Iain is a passionate advocate for advanced materials, NZ science and innovation and its commercialization in many sectors. He is an active member of the Executive Council of Biotech NZ.

A finance professional with governance and risk management experience gained internationally at both executive and board levels.

Extensive experience in financial and operations management of multi-entity, multi-country organisations. Proven transferability of skill-sets between sectors, territories, cultural and regulatory environments. 

Background of business management in mining, manufacturing and professional services, general chartered accountancy, treasury management and company secretarial. Mentor to aspiring financial accountants. 

Directorships: NZIMMR, Whakapai Consulting Ltd, NZ Gem Trading Co Ltd, Godavari Diamonds Ltd 

Company Secretary: New Talisman Gold Mines Ltd 

I have been actively involved in innovative technology commercialisation and investment/ financial services over my career to date, with a recent shift over the past eight years into governance roles and a range of projects and roles in the New Zealand Māori economy. I am from Te Arawa/Ngati Pikiao and my academic training is a PhD in Molecular Microbiology and an MBA from Otago University (Dunedin, New Zealand). I am also CEO for PledgeMe, a crowdfunding platform in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, and based in Christchurch.