Chief Executive Officer - Dr John Chang

Dr John Chang joined in January 2009. John previously led Canterprise Ltd, the University of Canterbury’s commercialisation company, from 2004-08 before establishing Jardoo Investments in early 2008.
John has a strong executive management background with 15 years of executive leadership roles in: technology start-ups for private and public companies; publicly listed company and university environments.

Chief Financial Officer - Mark Dawson

Mark joined Development West Coast in 2004. He is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and Institiute of Directors. He has over 20 years of accounting experience.

Chief Operating Officer - Warren Gilbertson

Warren joined Development West Coast in September 2005.  He has significant experience in banking and finance roles, both in the private and public sectors.

Business Services Manager - Nicky Cooper

Nicky is a West Coaster and joined Development West Coast in July 2006.  She has extensive experience within the education / training sector coupled with a strong knowledge of contracts and project management.

Education Officer- Julie Kissell

Julie is a fifth-generation West Coaster with 15-years experience in administration, having joined DWC  in 2005 after leaving the West Coast District Health Board.

Business Training Coordinator - Rachel Teen

Rachel has recently joined DWC to co-ordinate training and up-skilling courses for West Coast businesses. She is a West Coaster who has worked on the Coast at a high level within the tourism sector; as a owner-operator of her own business, and as a tutor. Her ten year career in Europe was based in the media, telecommunications and recruitment industries; and the completion of an MBA at the Michael Smurfit School of Business. Rachel is keen to see West Coast businesses grow and prosper to their full potential and believes up-skilling and innovation is a key factor.

Senior Business Development Manager – Peter Walls

Peter joined Development West Coast in 2005.  Prior to working at DWC, Peter worked in local government where his main roles included the development and management of leisure facilities, community funding and major event assessments.

Business Development Manager – Helen Wilson

Helen joined Development West Coast in August 2006.  Her previous employment included university research, 18 years secondary teaching and a short spell guiding and driving for a local tour company. Helen recently gained a Graduate Diploma of Economic Development through AUT.

Accountant - Debbie Johnston

Debbie joined Development West Coast in February 2009.  Previous employment includes 18 years experience in a wide range of commercial organisations in South Africa.  She completed a Bachelor of Accounting Science Degree majoring in accountancy and auditing at the University of South Africa.  Debbie has very recently moved to the West Coast from South Africa.

Commercial Lending Manager - Ric Tuckey

Ric joined DWC in November 2009. He has a wealth of experience gleaned from more than 20 years in the finance industry. He has recently moved to the West Coast from Nelson.

Administration Manager – Jo Butcher

Jo joined Development West Coast in September 2006.  Her previous experience is in the Health and Local Authority sectors, mainly in administration roles.

Executive Manager – Belinda Lunn

Belinda has been with Development West Coast since May 2002.  Belinda had 9 years at Grey District Council and a short term at Westland District Council prior joining DWC.

Receptionist – Gemma Schuddeboom

Gemma started working at Development West Coast in January 2008 and is currently completing a New Zealand Diploma in Business.