ABOUT THE AUTHOR, PIERRE WOOLRIDGE

Governance expertise

I’ve been on various boards and committees for over thirty-two years. My first board position of any note was, as for many of us, on the school board. Here I made use of my strategic planning, business planning, financial management, and economics background. I also attended a governance workshop or two run by the New Zealand School Trustees Association. Some years later I attended a UK based, six-month e-course for company board directors.

Prior to being on the school board, I was a director and the trustee in charge of investments of the BP and Europa Staff Credit Union. It was very much a hands-on role, because we dealt directly with members as they made deposits and borrowed money.

I've had the privilege of being elected onto several boards and invited to join or form a couple of brand-new finance (and risk and audit) committees, plus a strategy task force and so on. Indeed, my peers decided that I should be the Chair of one of the finance committees I was asked to join.

In addition to being a board/committee member of professional associations, I've also been a committee member, secretary, editor, treasurer, and president of several motorbike clubs, which have also been incorporated societies.

Writing experience
My business experience has seen me writing board papers, strategic plans, business plans, and marketing plans. Plus policy papers, business proposals, and content for websites and business newsletters. And now a book!

This book makes use of my hands-on experience in explaining the complex word of governance in a simple, digestible way so that you too can be successful, exceling as a director.

Leisure
I always have a smile on my face when enjoying a freshly poured cup of loose-leaf tea from a China teapot, or a class of wine and food with good friends and family. In the rest of my spare time, I like to rebuild and ride classic scooters and motorcycles. Mind you, I also own a modern bike!

Guest speaker

If you’re looking for a governance guest speaker at a breakfast or lunch, drop me a line, via email to enquire about my availability and to tell me a bit about your organisation and the event you have in mind.

Governance positions

Business Central*
Chair – Finance, Audit and Risk Committee 2015 - 2017
Director 2014 - 2017
* Parent organisation of: Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Hawke’s Bay Export New Zealand, Wellington Export New Zealand, and two investment entities.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Director 2013 – 2016

Sales Executive and Marketing International
Vice-President 2003 - 2007

New Zealand Institute of Management Central
Director 1996 – 2004

Thorndon School
Trustee & member of the Finance committee 1995 - 2004

BP/Europa Staff Credit Union
Investment Trustee and Director 1987 - 1992