John Brakenridge, of The New Zealand Merino Company, was named the outstanding leader at the New Zealand International Business Awards in Auckland on October 13.
The chief executive of The New Zealand Merino Company since it began in 1994, Brakenridge has helped grow new categories for merino wool, developed new high-end markets, and changed the way the wool moves along the value chain.
“Culture is key,” says Brakenridge. “It’s an alignment of people, an alignment of interests, and that brings about certain behaviours that make difference for everyone collectively.”
Steve Wilson, managing director and majority owner of Christchurch’s Talbot Technologies, won the Emerging International Business Leader award.
“Making technology work is about believing you can, believing you’re winner, and it doesn’t matter how many reasons why something won’t work, you’re going to get it to work,” says Wilson.
NZTE chief executive Peter Chrisp said he was impressed with the calibre of businesses that won awards and the way they were making their mark internationally.
Awards judge, ANZ’s Graham Turley, said Brakenridge and Wilson had genuine passion for New Zealand and wanted to see strong, healthy economy.
OTHER Winners
• Judges’ Supreme Award for International Business: Pumpkin Patch.
• Best business operating internationally, under $10m: M-Com.
• Best business operating internationally, $10m to $50m: Gallagher Security Management Systems.
• Best business operating internationally, over $50m: Pumpkin Patch.
• Best use of research and development in international business: Simcro.
• Best commercialisation of IP in international business: Grasslanz Technology.
• Best use of design in international business: Pumpkin Patch.
• Most innovative approach to international business: GMP Pharmaceuticals.