Meet The Board
Paul Ingram (President)
Lee Brother's Cabinets & Joinery - 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)
Michelle Urquhart Workplace Resolutions - Owner Operator
Michelle Urquhart is a barrister and workplace resolution specialist. She specialises in resolving tricky employment issues through early resolution techniques, mediation, investigation and providing legal advice. She has a particular expertise in immigration issues. After nearly a decade working for regional law firms, she established her business to focus on delivering tailored support to employers across the wider Bay area from her base in Rotorua. Prior to becoming a lawyer, she spent 20 years in marketing and business development roles in New Zealand and overseas working in diverse industries such as real estate, finance and insurance. With 24 years of not-for-profit governance experience, she has served on various boards, including Scouts Aotearoa and Kaharoa School.
Emma Baylis (Treasuerer)
Elevation Network - Director
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.
Brent Whibley
Patchell Group of Companies - CEO
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
Watchdog Security - CEO
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.
Jacky James
The Shine Collective - Managing Partner
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.
Bruce Thomasen
Redwoods Treewalk - Managing Director
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.
Pipiana Whiston
Millennium Hotel - General Manager
Pipiana Whiston is the General Manager of Millennium Hotel Rotorua, bringing over 30 years of experience in tourism, hospitality, and hotel management. She is a member of the Hotel Council Aotearoa Rotorua General Managers Group and has completed governance training through the Institute of Directors. Pipiana currently serves on the board of Kapenga M Trust, which manages over 2,000 hectares of farmland on behalf of shareholders. A passionate advocate for Rotorua, she is committed to the region’s growth and success, drawing on its rich history and unique identity to help shape a thriving future.
Emma Clapperton
Personnel Resources - Consultant
Emma is a proud Rotorua local, working mum, and MBA graduate with governance training. With hands-on experience across finance, HR, marketing, and operations, she brings a broad understanding of the challenges facing businesses. Passionate about building strong connections, she believes thriving businesses are the foundation of a vibrant Rotorua. Emma is committed to fostering collaboration and strengthening support systems that enable growth and opportunity. Dedicated to representing the real people doing the mahi, she champions a resilient, future-focused, and connected Rotorua Business Chamber.
Denise Emery
Te Puia - General Manager Visitor Experience
Denise Emery is a seasoned human resources and governance professional with extensive expertise in HR, employee relations (ER), industrial relations (IR), and recruitment. Based in Rotorua, she brings a deep understanding of people, culture, and strategic leadership. Denise is the Director of Kaiaka CQ Recruitment and HR Solutions, where she leads initiatives to strengthen workforce capability and deliver bespoke HR and recruitment services. Her governance experience includes serving on the board of Te Arawa Lakes Trust and the Rotorua Business Chamber, where she has been part of a dynamic group of governors, championing local business development, her special interest areas being Maori business and women in business. In her current role as General Manager of Visitor Experience at Te Puia, Denise is a key member of the Executive team, contributing to the organisation’s vision of showcasing and sustaining Maori culture.
Alexandra Stuthridge
Cetogenix Limited – COO & Co-Founder
Alexandra is the COO and co-founder of Cetogenix, a Rotorua-based deep technology company developing innovative deeptech climate solutions. With extensive experience in commercialising science across New Zealand’s public research institutions, she has helped transform research into investor-ready start-ups and supported the growth of the national innovation ecosystem. Alexandra also spent five years in Canada, where she built the University of British Columbia’s BioProducts Institute into a globally recognised research hub and led national initiatives in the circular bioeconomy. She brings a passion for innovation, investment, and building connections that strengthen Rotorua’s business community.