KEY APPOINTMENTS IN THE WAIKATO
If you have a key appointment you would like to announce please contact Bex.
Claire van der Most
Age Concern Waikato is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire van der Most as their new General Manager, effective 1 June 2026.
Claire brings more than 20 years senior leadership experience across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, spanning the private, public, and for‑purpose sectors. She has a Master of Social Science, is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, holds a number of governance roles, and previously served on the Age Concern Waikato Board.
Board Chair Meredith Osmond says, “We’re delighted to welcome Claire. We are confident her background, knowledge, and experience will drive our purpose of celebrating and supporting older people into the future.”
Working with the Board, Claire will lead Age Concern Waikato’s strategic direction, and focus on service delivery, innovation, sustainability, and team leadership.
“I am looking forward to leading the team to continue delivering highly valued and relevant services for older people and stakeholders, across the Waikato,” Claire says.
Rob Clayton
Gallagher has appointed Rob Clayton as Chief Executive of its global Animal Management business, leading the next phase of growth for one of New Zealand’s most successful agritech companies.
Rob joins Gallagher with more than 25 years of international agribusiness experience, having held senior leadership roles across Australia and the United States with global agricultural inputs and services company Nutrien. Raised on a wheat, sheep and cattle farm near Coonamble in north-west New South Wales, he brings a combination of practical farming knowledge and extensive commercial leadership experience.
His appointment comes at a significant time for Gallagher Animal Management, which supports farmers and land managers in more than 160 countries and has experienced strong growth across its connected animal and land management solutions. Recent milestones include expansion into new global markets, strategic acquisitions, and continued growth of its digital agriculture technologies.
Rob says Gallagher combines strong New Zealand heritage, a culture of innovation and a close connection to farmers, creating a powerful platform for future growth.
“Gallagher has a long history of solving real challenges for farmers through practical innovation. I’m excited to join the team and help build on that legacy as we continue to grow our global impact and deliver value for customers around the world.”
Rob commences as Chief Executive on 8 June 2026 and will be a member of Gallagher’s Executive Leadership Team. He will be based in Melbourne, spending regular time at the Gallagher Head Office in Hamilton and in key global markets.
James Grafas
Foster Construction Group has welcomed James Grafas to its Board of Directors as an independent director.
Beginning his career as an electrician, James went on to build over 20 years’ experience in HR and recruitment, including serving as CEO of one of New Zealand’s leading recruitment firms. He is the founder of James People, specialising in leadership appointments, and co-founder of Good Trust, a charity supporting water projects in Cambodia since 2009.
James currently serves as a board member and chairperson across a number of organisations, including Baygold Orchards LP, Ricado Limited and Urban Homes. He is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
“I’m excited to welcome James to the Fosters Board,” said Fosters CEO Warren Luxton. “He brings deep experience, new perspectives and strong values that align closely with our purpose of creating built environments where communities thrive.”
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.
