Three leading NZ CFOs' practical career advice

Media release
2 November 2010

Three leading NZ CFOs offer practical career advice and insights

Three individuals who drive and shape the financial strategy of New Zealand’s leading corporates share what they’ve learned from their own personal career progression, in a web-based CFO Masters Series of interviews presented by global recruiters Robert Half International.

The three New Zealand financial heads are:

• Stefan Azzopardi, Group Finance Officer for Southern Cross Healthcare Group
• Jonathan Klouwens, Chief Financial Officer for House of Travel and
Christine Pears, Chief Executive Officer of Ara Wines (former GM, Finance, at Todd Property Group Limited).

The Robert Half CFO Masters Series gives viewers practical career advice and insights into the personalities that lead and shape the financial and strategic directions of some of New Zealand’s leading companies. The focus of the programme is the individual. It provides a unique insight into the career of the CFO with a specific focus on the individual’s career development, academic undertakings and approach to their work.

Stefan Azzopardi is an accomplished executive with extensive international experience gained over 16 years and five countries. Before joining Southern Cross Healthcare, New Zealand's leading private healthcare organisation, earlier this year, he had spent eight years with American Express in Singapore and New Zealand. Stefan has worked in the financial services, telecoms, equity research and professional services industries. In his interview he discusses the challenges he has faced when returning to the NZ marketplace.

Jonathan Klouwens has had a varied career path involving strategy work in Australia and China, operations management in Auckland, then marketing, commercial finance, and national sales roles for Lion Nathan Australia. Jonathan was then appointed Strategy Director and subsequently Finance Director for Lion Nathan New Zealand. He joined the privately owned House of Travel group early last year. Jonathan discusses how to achieve a sensible work-life balance while performing at a high level in corporate life.

Christine Pears’ latest role as Chief Executive of Ara Wines adds to her substantial experience in both company leadership and the wine industry through senior roles in global and New Zealand firms. Her Masters Series slot covers her CFO experience and her transition and journey to the position of CEO. Christine’s particular strengths include setting strategic direction to develop successful businesses from start up to global recognition, and leadership in operational and financial disciplines.

The Robert Half CFO Masters Series offers:
Career and behavioural advice from the top role models in the profession
A closer look at heroes and heroines of the profession
Answers to the question, "What kind of person becomes a CFO?"
A first-hand account of how qualifications matter
A brief mentoring session
A humanising portrait of top CFOs from a range of NZ & APAC business sectors.

Visit http://rhiwatch.viotv.com to view the Robert Half CFO Masters Series.

ENDS

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