NZ Private Capital conference speakers

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NZ Private Capital Conference Speakers 2025

Accelerating Growth Ambition

30 October 2025

Queenstown, New Zealand

Sean Keane - Founder & Managing Director, Triple T Consulting

Sean’s primary area of expertise is in the area of macro-economic policy analysis, with particular focus on the activities of the global central banks and the liquidity and stability of the funding markets.

Sean’s career spans more than 30 years in the financial markets, in a variety of senior roles in London, Wellington, Sydney, Singapore and Tokyo. Most recently he was Managing Director of Global Money Market Funding and Short Term Interest Rate Trading in Asia-Pacific for Credit Suisse.

In 2012 Sean joined the Board of Jarden Securities as a non-executive Director. In addition to this Sean is Chairman of the local property finance company Pearlfisher Capital Ltd.

Alongside providing policy advice to central banks and regulatory authorities in AsiaPacific, Triple T also provides market analysis and interpretation to a variety of hedge funds, asset managers and commercial banks. Sean is frequently called upon for media comment about market developments, and he regularly delivers presentations to senior business and industry groups around the world.

Triple T Consulting is best known for the respected daily commentary “What’s happening in the Money Markets”, which is circulated to a select list that includes many of the world’s largest money managers, financial institutions and central banks.

Sean holds an Honours Degree in Economics and Government from the Victoria University of Manchester, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business from Massey University.

Peter Datlen - Global Commercial Launch Services Manager, Rocket Lab

Peter Datlen is the Global Commercial Launch Services Manager at Rocket Lab, a leading global launch provider and space systems company. Joining Rocket Lab in 2017 as its first Mechanical Rocket Technician, Peter has played a part in the company’s transformation from a small startup of fewer than 100 employees to the global powerhouse it is today, with over 3,000 team members worldwide.

Peter’s career at Rocket Lab has spanned nearly a decade and a diverse range of roles, giving him a unique perspective on the company’s growth and evolution. From assembling and testing propulsion systems in New Zealand to leading the technical launch operations at Rocket Lab’s Mahia and Wallops Island complexes, Peter has played an important role in the development and execution of Rocket Lab’s groundbreaking missions. His expertise has taken him across the globe, with stints in New Zealand, America, and the Europe, where he now oversees commercial launch services for customers around the world.

Prior to his time at Rocket Lab, Peter served as an Aeronautical Technician in the New Zealand Air Force for four years before completing his commercial pilot’s license. His technical expertise and passion for aerospace made him a natural fit for Rocket Lab during its early days, where he contributed to the company’s first rocket builds and launch operations.

Outside of his professional achievements, Peter is a classic car enthusiast and collector, a passion that reflects his appreciation for engineering and design. His eclectic career and global experiences provide valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of scaling a startup into a world-leading space company.

Megan Glen - Director, Forsyth Barr

Megan is currently a Director in Forsyth Barr’s investment banking team in Auckland having previously spent over six years in direct investment with the NZ Super Fund and Ascentro Capital Partners. Prior to this, Megan spent over a decade in investment banking with both Credit Suisse in New York and Jarden in New Zealand. Megan also currently a member of the New Zealand Takeovers Panel and an independent member of the Rātā Foundation’s investment committee.

Colin McKinnon - Executive Director, New Zealand Private Capital Association

In the role since May 2008, Colin is responsible for driving the strategy for development of the New Zealand private equity and venture capital industry, communications with members, sponsors and industry participants, coordinating the NZ Private Capital active government lobbying programme and supporting the Council Chairman and members.

Previous roles included Chief Advisor for government involved with policy development for capital markets, issues of “access to finance” for fast-growth businesses and the commercialisation of innovation. With a background in corporate banking and strategic marketing for National Australia Bank and Bank of New Zealand, Colin has held leadership roles in business development, digital transaction management tools and institutional banking relationships with many of New Zealand’s largest corporations.

Colin is an Economics graduate of Canterbury University and holds a master’s degree in management from Auckland University.

Jamie Rihia - GM Commercial Strategy & Investments, Tauhara North No2 Trust

Jamie is an experienced business adviser with a background in professional services, banking and finance working with small and large Māori businesses across the motu. He is the GM Commercial Strategy & Investments for Tauhara North No2 Trust that is one of the largest Maori commercial entities in Aotearoa and renowned for its development programs for shareholders and their whanau. His key task to grow the asset base within energy and diversify into other industries to lift its ability to increase whanau outcomes.

Trish Sherson - Co-Founder & Strategy Director, Sherson Willis

Trish is a communications strategist with a background in media and politics. She established Sherson Willis in 2005 along with Rewa Willis. Sherson Willis has grown to be one of the leading Corporate Affairs firms in New Zealand and the local Affiliate for global consulting firm, FTI. Her specialties include financial and corporate communications, crisis management, litigation support and government relations. Her recognised expertise has seen her acting for many leading New Zealand and international companies and regularly called on for expert media commentary on politics and business. Trish started her career in Parliament as a senior caucus press secretary, and as a journalist and radio host for Radio New Zealand. She was a producer for the Radio Pacific daily national breakfast show and TVNZ daily current affairs programmes Late Edition and Holmes. Trish oversees the strategic direction and client service at Sherson Willis.

Fergus Lee - Head of Acquisition Finance and Structure Solution, ANZ Bank

Fergus Lee is currently the Head of Acquisition Finance and Structure Solution at ANZ Bank (NZ). With over 30 years of banking experience across various countries, including the UK, Asia, and South Africa, Fergus has had the opportunity to work with diverse products and services in banking. Over the past 20 years, he has led teams focused on financing M&A and complexed structures in New Zealand.

In addition to his professional role, he actively contributes to the community as a mentor for First Foundation scholars and serves as a NZ Private Capital Council Member and Treasurer. He holds an MBA from Auckland University and undergraduate degrees in Commerce (BCom) and Law (LLB) from the University of Otago.

Doug Kamo - Master of Ceremonies
Doug is one of New Zealand’s most sought-after MCs, known for his blend of professionalism, creativity, and entertainment. With a background in comedy, theatre, and production, he adapts to any setting—whether sharp and business-focused or light and engaging. He has hosted events for leading brands including Air New Zealand, Vodafone, Coca-Cola, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Jessica Mutch McKay - Head of Government Relations and Corporate Responsibility, ANZ

Jessica Mutch McKay is the Head of Government Relations and Corporate Responsibility at ANZ. She joined the bank at the beginning of 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to the corporate world after a long and successful career in journalism.

Prior to joining ANZ, Jessica spent nearly 20 years as a political journalist, most recently serving as Political Editor at TVNZ from 2018 to 2024. During that time, she led coverage of major political events, including the 2023 Leaders Debates and Election Night, and played a key role in reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

From 2013 to 2015, she was 1 News’ Europe Correspondent based in London, covering a wide range of international stories — from conflict zones and European elections to the migrant crisis and the 100th Anniversary of Gallipoli. Her reporting also took her around the world, covering New Zealand’s political and trade delegations.

Jessica brings a strong understanding of public affairs, media, and policy to her role at ANZ, where she is the link between the bank and parliament.

Ana-Marie Lockyer - CEO and Executive Director, Pie Funds Management Ltd

As CEO, Ana-Marie is responsible for directing and executing the company's organisational strategy.

Ana brings over 25 years of broad banking and financial services experience including 10 years in the local and global Wealth teams at ANZ Bank. At ANZ Ana had a number of strategic and executive roles across insurance and investments, including executive responsibility for New Zealand's largest KiwiSaver Scheme and accountability for strategic decisions and performance of the wealth product suite. She also spent a further 10 years in commercial and product functions at Henderson Global Investors in London. Ana has also held governance roles for Pie Funds, ANZ Samoa and the Financial Services Council and most recently was Chief Executive Officer of AA Money.

Ana qualified as a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is now a Member of Institute of Directors. She is passionate about financial literacy, savings and retirements outcomes for New Zealanders and diversity in the financial services industry.

John Kells - Co-Managing Partner, GD1

John has also been an active angel investor for a number of years. Upon returning to New Zealand in 2015, he co-founded an e-commerce start-up before joining GD1 in 2017. John is now a Co-Managing Partner for GD1 Fund 3 and holds a BSc (Mathematics), 3x Diplomas in Finance, Financial Planning and Statistics, and is a CFA Charterholder.

Katherine Rich, Chief Executive, BusinessNZ

Katherine Rich is the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, the peak advocacy organisation for New Zealand business, bringing a wealth of experience from her career in both politics and industry.

She served as a Member of the New Zealand Parliament from 1999 to 2008.

Prior to joining BusinessNZ, Katherine was the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council from 2009 to 2023, advocating for the interests of grocery manufacturers and suppliers as well as advocating for trade liberalisation as a member for the APEC Business Council for five years.

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Otago. Her early career included roles in both the public and private sectors.

Katherine continues to be a prominent voice in New Zealand’s business and political spheres and her leadership at BusinessNZ focuses on fostering a thriving business environment and advocating for policies that support economic growth and sustainability.

Cameron Mitchell, Head of Geopolitical Risk, ANZ

Cameron Mitchell joined ANZ in 2021 to set up and manage the bank’s geopolitical risk function. In this role he coordinates the production of tailored geopolitical risk assessments and advises management and clients. He supports portfolio and exposure reviews, stress tests, and crisis and response planning, as well as developing and employing tools to enhance ANZ strategic risk management.

He is also an invited member of the National Security College Futures Council within the Australian National University and lectures on the theory and application of geoeconomics.

Previously, Cameron worked for HSBC in Hong Kong and London, where he was Global Head of Geopolitical Risk.

Cameron is a former Australian public servant and Australian Defence Force reserve officer, where he worked on defence and security issues. He also served on operational deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan providing support to operational-level commanders and national-level agencies.

Cameron was born in Surrey, UK and grew up in Nigeria and Brunei before completing secondary school in Australia. He has completed a Master of Studies in International Relations at the University of Cambridge, a Master of Arts by research in Political Science from the University of New South Wales, and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science and History from the University of Sydney.

He is the author of articles and a book about the Russian defence industry, published through the UK International Institute for Strategic Studies and the Australian Strategic and Defence Studies Centre.

Lisa Nelson, Non-Executive Board Director & Advisor

Lisa Nelson is a global finance and technology leader with nearly 25 years of experience working as a senior executive at Fortune 500 companies. Lisa currently serves as an independent board director and advisor to both public and private companies across financial services and fintech, spacetech, software and consumer goods. Lisa is also an advisor to several venture capital funds around the world.

Prior to shifting her focus to governance and advisory work, Lisa was a full-time operator. Lisa most recently served as Managing Director of Microsoft’s first venture fund, M12, which she co-founded. Lisa also served in executive roles across finance and business development during her 14 year tenure at Microsoft. Prior to that, she worked in financial services in London and public accounting in Australia.

Through her 2+ decades in the technology, software and financial services industries, Lisa was a strategic and operational leader and developed valuable perspectives on matters critical to boards and leadership teams including digital transformation, business growth strategy, risk management and capital allocation.

Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. Lisa is a CPA and SEC-qualified financial expert.

Lisa is a global citizen, having lived in Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and SE Asia. She also traveled to more than 90 countries. These experiences, combined with her Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, have given her a truly global perspective. Lisa currently lives in Seattle, Washington.

Robbie Paul, Managing Director, Icehouse Ventures

Robbie is Managing Director of Icehouse Ventures, an active investor in New Zealand technology companies. Icehouse Ventures has invested >$525m into 349 companies and was among the earliest investors in Halter, Hnry, Sharesies, Mint Innovation, Tracksuit, Dawn Aerospace, OpenStar, Tradify, Partly, and Crimson Education.

Rohan Wolfers, Managing Director, Pacific Equity Partners

Rohan joined Pacific Equity Partners in 2010. Before joining PEP, Rohan was with Navis Capital Partners and Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity in Australia, Asia and North America. Rohan received a PLD from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.

Anastaysia Gamble, Partner, Simpson Grierson

Anastasiya is a Partner at Simpson Grierson. She is a specialist corporate and commercial lawyer, with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, equity capital markets, joint ventures, corporate governance, and overseas investment.

Anastasiya regularly acts on complex and high-profile transactions and advises a wide range of domestic and international clients, including major corporates, private equity, and investment banks.

Anastasiya is a council member of New Zealand Private Capital.

Nicolas Williams, Head of Direct Investments, Booster Investment Management Limited

Nicolas has over 20 years of investment and commercial experience spanning corporate strategy, operations and capital markets. Prior to Booster, Nicolas held senior roles at Macquarie, NZ Treasury and Z Energy, as well as a number of governance and advisory roles. Acting at times as both advisor and principal, Nicolas has completed corporate transactions with an aggregate capital value of over NZ$8 billion across a wide range of industries and geographies. At Booster, Nicolas manages three funds focused on unlisted NZ assets across the private equity, venture capital and property asset classes.

Gillian Gordon, Head of Alternative Investments & Responsible Investing,
JB Were

Gillian joined JBWere in May 2019 and is Head of Alternative Investments and Responsible Investing. As Head of Alternatives, Gillian leads the Alternatives strategy, investing selection and execution across Private Equity, Private Debt, Real Assets including Infrastructure & Property, Renewables, Natural Resources and Hedge Funds. Gillian also leads the further expansion of JBWere’s approach to Responsible Investing spanning ESG, ethical/impact investing, and stewardship of capital. Prior to joining JBWere, Gillian held senior multi-asset global investment and structuring roles on trading floors, working across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, for Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) and Bank of Montreal (BMO) Capital Markets. Gillian was also the global structuring sustainability lead for capital markets in both SCB and BMO. Gillian’s roles have included leading sales and structuring for SCB’s Alternative Asset Group (AUM +USD 2bio) in London, in addition to leading and designing multi-asset investment solutions across Fixed Income, Equities, FX, Alternatives, Credit, Commodities and Responsible Investments (RI) for Institutional, Private Bank and High Net Worth clients.

Steven Harwood, Managing Partner, Fusion APAC

An ex-Royal Navy officer and English qualified lawyer, Steve has degrees in Japanese & Law, and Comparative Sports Culture. In addition to six years' insurance broker experience, Steve has eleven years’ experience M&A experience in private practice and over a decade’s experience in M&A insurance where he has lead teams covering M&A, Tax and Contingency insurance across the APAC region. Steve is based in Tokyo Japan.

Scott McKnight, Director, Pacific Equity Partners

Scott is a Director in the Private Equity team at Pacific Equity Partners, a leading Australian private markets fund manager with approximately $17 billion in assets under management. Prior to joining PEP, Scott began his career in investment banking with Goldman Sachs in New Zealand.