ChildFund continues to accelerate progress, as they appoint tech, startup and marketing leaders to their Board of Directors
AUCKLAND (8 September 2021) – This week, ChildFund New Zealand has announced that Francis Davy, Poohan Nathan, Jay Stead and Michele Teague have joined the organisation’s Board. This is in anticipation of an upcoming rotation of ChildFund New Zealand’s Board of Directors.
“The appointment of these new Directors is significant,” explains Simon Whyte, Board Chair of both ChildFund New Zealand and the global ChildFund Alliance. “The diverse experience and insights of each member will strengthen our position as one of New Zealand’s most impactful organisations, particularly adept at inspiring community transformation and sustainability worldwide.”
Customer Manager, Māori Business at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Francis Davy brings decades of leadership experience in the areas of humanitarian aid and development, international trade and export, and corporate social responsibility. Davy’s experience will further enhance ChildFund’s reputation as a trusted partner for Government, corporate, and private partnerships, all focused on creating lasting impact for children.
Chief Executive Officer of Asuwere, Poohan Nathan brings senior leadership expertise in the areas of finance, technology and entrepreneurship. Leveraging his executive background in award-winning technology companies like Pushpay, Asknicely, and Whip Around, Nathan will challenge ChildFund’s Board and management teams to think differently about how the organisation operates, and to identify innovative solutions to child poverty.
With a strong background in the technology industry, Jay Stead is an executive advisor who brings expertise in the areas of peer-to-peer and cloud solutions as well as market-leading mobile apps across a variety of sectors. Stead’s extensive governance experience with high-growth and innovation-focused businesses will further support ChildFund in the sustained rollout of their digital transformation strategy.
As a senior leader in marketing, advertising and customer experience, Michele Teague adds significant governance expertise to the ChildFund Board of Directors. With a strong corporate track-record of revitalising brands like Kmart and building digital engagement with consumers, Teague will provide unique perspectives as the ChildFund brand continues on its journey to becoming New Zealand’s most respected and impactful charity.
“We welcome our new Board members and express gratitude to those who are stepping down,” says Whyte. After years of dedicated support for ChildFund, Alastair de Raadt, Michael Prasad and John Holley will move on from their roles on the ChildFund New Zealand Board.
ChildFund New Zealand’s Board of Directors (As of September 2021):
- Simon Whyte, Chair
- Anushiya Ponniah
- Dr. Janet O’Connor
- Binu Paul
- Francis Davy
- Poohan Nathan
- Jay Stead
- Michele Teague
- Alastair de Raadt
- Michael Prasad
Read more about the ChildFund team here.
About ChildFund New Zealand:
Since 1990, ChildFund New Zealand has been helping children and youth to thrive in communities impacted by poverty. Their unique Road Map approach enables communities to drive their own development and define what true sustainability looks like. Currently, more than 13,000 Kiwis support children and youth through ChildFund New Zealand, funding dedicated programmes in Kenya, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and Zambia.
ChildFund New Zealand is a member of ChildFund Alliance, a global network of 12 child-focused development organisations focused on ending violence and exploitation against children and promoting a world in which all children enjoy their rights and achieve their full potential.
For more information or media interviews, please contact Carolyn Brooke on 027 285 9978 or carolyn@childfund.org.nz
