Meet The Board

Paul Ingram
President
Lee Brothers - Director

Paul is a hands-on director of Lee Brothers Joinery in Rotorua and understands the realities of small business ownership. He has extensive governance experience with NZ Master Joiners, serving as an industry representative director on the JMF New Zealand Board. His leadership extends to the Rotorua Kartsport Development Trust, the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, and the Rotorua Business Chamber. Paul holds a Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. His expertise spans trades, small business ownership, and governance, providing a strong foundation for business success.

Michelle Urquhart
Vice President
Tompkins Wake - Senior Associate

Michelle is a Senior Associate at Tompkins Wake, specializing in employment and immigration law. She handles disputes, immigration appeals, and employment investigations. A former Disputes Tribunal Referee, she is an Associate of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand and a Mediation Panel member. Michelle has delivered training on ethics and privilege in mediation and presented on employment law at professional conferences. With 24 years of governance experience, she has served on various boards, including Scouts Aotearoa and Kaharoa School, and is Vice President of the Rotorua Business Chamber.

Alex Wilson
Director
Deloitte

Alex, of Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Awa, Ngai Tuhoe, and Ngati Porou descent, is a Deloitte Director with over 19 years of experience. His expertise in financial strategy and auditing has shaped Rotorua’s business landscape. Previously, he was a Partner at Deloitte and a Senior Auditor at Iles Casey Chartered Accountants. Passionate about Maori business, he helps organizations integrate cultural values with financial sustainability. Alex’s leadership reflects the Maori proverb: "He tangata, He tangata, He tangata" people are the most important aspect of the world.

Brent Wibley
CEO
Patchell Group of Companies

Brent is the CEO of Patchell Group, a leader in heavy transport equipment manufacturing. With a background in timber manufacturing, forestry, health, and audit, he brings extensive industry experience. His governance roles include Infracore Ltd, Astropine Ltd, Requisite Ltd, and the Rotorua Business Chamber. Brent is a Chartered Accountant and a Waikato University Business Management graduate. Passionate about leadership and team culture, he fosters innovation and strategic growth. His role extends beyond business, contributing to economic development and workforce sustainability in Rotorua.

Brett Wilson
CEO
Watchdog Security

Brett co-founded Watchdog Security in 2003, growing it into a leading security firm with 60 staff and 4,500 clients. Passionate about Rotorua’s safety and business growth, he focuses on creating a secure environment for the community. A director on the New Zealand Security Association board for nine years, he served two terms as Chairperson. Brett’s leadership in the security industry and commitment to regional development make him a valuable advocate for business resilience and community well being.

Bruce Thomasen
Managing Director
Redwoods Treewalk

Bruce has over 20 years of tourism and entertainment experience. As Managing Director of Redwoods Treewalk, he continues to innovate in sustainable tourism. Previously, he spent 20 years at Skyline Enterprises, establishing luge attractions in Canada, Sentosa, and Korea. His leadership has earned multiple awards, including the Supreme Tourism Industry Business Award. Bruce also serves as a director at Skyline Enterprises and Skyline International Luge Ltd. Committed to community and environmental responsibility, his leadership ensures memorable visitor experiences while preserving New Zealand’s natural heritage.

Denise Emery
General Manager - Visitor Experience
Te Puia | NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

Denise has over 12 years of experience as General Manager of Visitor Experience at Te Puia. She also serves as a director of Kaiaka CQ Recruitment Solutions, specializing in cultural intelligence, governance training, and HR solutions. Denise’s leadership extends to the Rotorua Business Chamber board. She has a strong background in mediation, negotiation, and workforce development, helping individuals transition back into employment. Passionate about cultural understanding and community growth, Denise plays a key role in shaping Rotorua’s business and tourism sectors.

Emma Baylis
Director
Elevation Network

Emma is a Chartered Accountant with experience in Big 4 firms and corporate leadership. Before founding Elevation Network, she was CEO of a local organization with 120 employees. Emma specializes in strategic business insights, process improvement, and financial management. A Rotorua resident for eight years, she enjoys horse riding, lake activities, and running. Passionate about building client relationships, she offers expert guidance tailored to business growth. Dedicated to supporting businesses, she combines financial expertise with strategic vision to drive success.

Frank Zhou
Senior Relationship Manager
Westpac

Frank has over a decade of banking experience and is a Senior Relationship Manager for Corporate Banking at Westpac. Specializing in tourism, hospitality, and retail trade, he supports businesses across the Central Plateau. Previously, he spent six years as a Commercial Manager, focusing on business banking, lending, and portfolio management. Frank’s deep understanding of local business needs allows him to provide tailored financial solutions. As a Chamber board member, he actively contributes to Rotorua’s economic development, strengthening relationships between financial services and the business community.

Jacky James
Managing Partner
The Shine Collective

Jacky is the Managing Partner of The Shine Collective, a strategic communications agency she founded in 2012. With over 20 years in communications, she has worked with top New Zealand organizations across the police, dairy, education, tourism, and iwi sectors. Specializing in strategic planning, community engagement, media relations, and crisis management, she has earned multiple Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) Awards. A Chamber board member and PRINZ Fellow, Jacky’s leadership strengthens business communication strategies, ensuring impactful engagement across sectors.

Jo Keefe
Director
JK Marketing & Media

Jo is a marketing and public relations specialist with experience across tourism, hospitality, transport, Maori trusts, major events, and non-profits. She played a key role in political campaigns and the COVID-19 vaccination initiative. Passionate about community engagement, Jo facilitates sponsorships that support tamariki. She serves on the Ronald McDonald House fundraising committee and specializes in crafting strategies that drive growth. Of Te Arawa, Ngati Kahungunu, and Ngati Whare descent, Jo is dedicated to impactful communication and meaningful business development.

Glenn Tasker
Director/Shareholder
Tasker Hospitality Ltd

My wife Karen and I currently own and operate the Quest Rotorua Central apartment hotel, the only NZ hotel ranked in Trip Advisors South Pacific Top 10 for guest satisfaction.

Previously I worked in senior leadership roles for ORIX, a global financing and leasing specialist who provided me the opportunity to work in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea. I have held senior leadership roles with ANZ, including GM of subsidiary UDC Finance and I have served on the board of two ANZ subsidiary companies. Just prior to purchasing our business, I worked for ASB in Commercial and Business banking roles.

I served as a board member for the Franchise Association of NZ and chaired the Arbitration Committee and I have served as a board member for Auckland Rotary and chaired the Membership Committee. I have served on two Body Corporates, chairing one of these.

I am passionate about the future of Rotorua as a place to live, work and invest, and I am currently the Rotorua Business Chamber President and Board Chair.