KEY APPOINTMENTS IN THE WAIKATO
If you have a key appointment you would like to announce please contact Bex.
Sarah Powell
Waikato Innovation Park has appointed experienced operations leader Sarah Powell as its new Operations Manager.
Powell will join the Park team on 7 April, bringing extensive experience in operational leadership, facilities management, and project delivery across commercial property, construction and land development environments.
Waikato Innovation Park chief executive Stephen Veitch said Powell’s appointment strengthens the Park’s ability to support its growing tenant community and manage the evolving needs of the precinct.
“Sarah brings a strong blend of operational expertise and relationship management, which is exactly what we need as the Park continues to grow,” Veitch said.
“Her experience delivering complex development and refurbishment projects, along with her ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders, will be hugely valuable for our tenants and partners.”
Powell most recently held senior leadership roles within the Ultimate Global Group, where she led development and refurbishment projects and worked closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects were delivered smoothly and efficiently.
Veitch said Powell’s collaborative style and practical approach to problem-solving made her well suited to the role.
“Sarah has a reputation for clear communication, strong operational oversight and bringing people together to get things done,” he said. “We’re delighted to welcome her to the team and look forward to the impact she will make across the Park.”
Robert Dol
Hamilton Airport has seconded respected Waikato project director Rob Dol to its senior leadership team.
In January 2026, Dol joined the airport team full-time for two years as Group General Manager, Property and Infrastructure.
Waikato Regional Airport Ltd chief executive Mark Morgan said the appointment reflects Dol’s long involvement with the airport and its commercial precinct, Titanium Park.
“Rob has been a trusted advisor to the airport for several years and has led several critical projects on our behalf,” Morgan said. “He has played a key role in many of our strategically important initiatives, including the recent terminal redevelopment and the completion of our 10-year property strategic plan. Rob also led the private plan change that enabled the development of Precinct North at Titanium Park.”
Morgan said Dol’s deep understanding of the airport’s business, people, and long-term priorities made the move a natural next step.
Michelle Noordermeer
Hamilton Airport has appointed Michelle Noordermeer as Group General Manager Aeronautical Growth and Marketing, strengthening its senior leadership team as the airport continues to expand its aviation services.
Noordermeer brings extensive experience in aviation strategy, route development, marketing, and sustainability. She has previously held senior roles with Air New Zealand, Auckland Airport and climate technology company CarbonClick, and more recently ran her own consultancy working across aviation and sustainability projects.
In her new role, Noordermeer will lead initiatives to grow Hamilton Airport’s aeronautical business, strengthen route connectivity and deliver marketing and sustainability strategies that enhance customer experience and build the airport’s brand.
Waikato Regional Airport Ltd chief executive Mark Morgan said Noordermeer’s appointment brings valuable industry expertise to the team. “Michelle’s strong background in aviation and marketing, combined with her commercial acumen and sustainability leadership, makes her an excellent addition to the airport,” Morgan said. “We’re confident she will play an important role in supporting the continued growth and development of our aeronautical business.”
Leana de Bruin
From professional athlete to a career in construction, former Silver Fern Leana de Bruin is the newest addition to the Fosters team.
Drawing on her high-performance sporting background, Leana brings a winning mindset, strong leadership, and a drive to build meaningful connections across the Waikato and beyond.
In her role, Leana will focus on developing and maintaining long-term client partnerships, and identifying new opportunities that align with Fosters’ commitment to thriving community. She will also represent Fosters through community and industry engagement, including speaking events and the promotion of careers in construction.
"What drew me to Fosters wasn’t just the scale or ambition of the projects - it was the heart behind them,” said Leana. "There is a genuine commitment here to building spaces that matter, that last, that bring people together. It’s the kind of work I’m pleased to be part of."
Someone who excels in clear, purposeful communication and values community engagement, Leana strengthens Fosters’ commitment to thriving communities. We welcome her positive contribution.
Rebecca Wylie
The Waikato Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Rebecca Wylie to the team as Marketing & Membership Coordinator.
Rebecca will be taking on the role in a part-time capacity delivering high-quality marketing and membership functions.
With an Honours degree in Marketing from Massey University, a recently completed Diploma in Digital Marketing, and experience in rural marketing, Rebecca brings valuable expertise that will strengthen our work for members. Read more about Rebecca here.
Warren Luxton
Foster Construction Group is proud to announce the appointment of Warren Luxton as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 November.
Born and raised in the Waikato, Warren’s leadership journey has taken him across the globe — from the UK to Hong Kong and Singapore — in senior corporate roles, including CFO of CBRE Asia Pacific’s $1.2bn multinational operations. In 2020, he and his wife Michelle made the deliberate decision to bring their two sons home, drawn by the region’s strong sense of community, quality of life, and commercial opportunities.
Since returning, Warren has led the NZ Construction Alliance, growing it into a nationwide network of eight companies with more than 1,000 staff delivering major projects across New Zealand. Based in Fosters’ Hamilton office, he has deepened his ties to the local business community while serving as Deputy Chair of the Foster Construction Group Board.
“Warren is a natural collaborator, respected leader, trusted business partner, and we look forward to his contribution,” said Fosters Board Chair Sacha Coburn. “With his deep understanding of construction at a national level, his financial background in larger corporates, and his ability to bring teams together, Warren’s appointment to lead Fosters is exciting.
“Warren understands our absolute commitment to put our Waikato and the Bay of Plenty communities at the heart of all we do, and he is ideally suited to lead us as we enter a new phase of opportunity and growth.”
