Chief Executive
Simon has extensive experience in business including financial services and leading membership organisations.
Prior to his current role he was a Senior Governance Consultant at Mercer Consulting in Melbourne working with superannuation funds. He also held a contract role at the Victorian Auditor-General’s office.
Simon has been Chief Executive of the New Zealand Institute of Directors (IoD) and while there authored the original version of the IoD’s ‘Four Pillars of Governance Best Practice’ and founded the IoD Governance Leadership Centre. He also developed the current Chartered Director pathway.
Simon has also led the Victoria Farmers Federation and worked at Marsh Insurance and the Master Builders Association of Victoria.
He is currently on the board of Business New Zealand, Taiwan Trade Development Ltd, and the Advanced Manufacturing Association and was previously a director of a risk and compliance company, and chair of the Cancer Society of New Zealand, Wellington Division 2012-2018.
Simon has an LL.B and B.A. from the University of Otago, and was admitted as a solicitor in 2001.
He has a PGDip in Business from Massey University, is a Chartered Company Secretary and is a Fellow of Governance New Zealand (2019).
Member Services Manager
Amanda Wood is head of Membership Services at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Business Central, incorporating learning and development, events, international and a number thought leadership initiatives.
Amanda has over a decade in executive leadership experience and 25-years in business planning, project management, and team development. She has managed complex projects and lead teams through change.
She has varied experience in leadership roles from organisations such as ANZ, Outward Bound and the Motor Trade Association. She believes that her greatest successes stem from collaborating with diverse groups, including organisations, government agencies, and communities to achieve shared goals.
She is currently on the Industry Stakeholder group for Hanga-Aro-Rau and is part of the Women in Automotive Consortium.
Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University and has completed advanced training in negotiation and leadership and The Leadership Mindset Programme from the Auckland School of Business.
Corporate Affairs & Advocacy Manager
Conor Whitten is our Corporate Affairs and Advocacy Manager, responsible for policy, government relations, media engagement and marketing.
His work also includes involvement with our Business Leaders Forum, diplomatic corps and Taiwan Business Council.
Conor has had a long career in communications, primarily as one of New Zealand’s leading broadcast journalists.
He is also a former foreign correspondent and political reporter in Parliament’s Press Gallery, with extensive experience covering major international events. Prior to joining the Chamber, he was a member of award-winning current affairs show ‘Sunday.’
Conor has strong networks across politics and commerce. The stories and successes of our members are an inspiration for Conor and give him a passion for helping New Zealand businesses to succeed. He has a Bachelor of Communications from AUT.
Membership Manager
As Head of Membership at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Business Central, Hayden is responsible for meeting the diverse needs of our members and forging quality stakeholder relationships.
Hayden is a natural ‘connector’ who thrives on engagement and is driven by building strong relationships and great results.
His current role has a strong commercial focus, building on previous experience as Operations Manager and in our Learning & Development team. His career experience includes hospitality, tourism and events and his broad remit at the Chamber has included managing compliance, human resources, and internal change processes.
Finance Manager
Justin Joubert is the Finance Manager of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Business Central. He has over a decade of experience in various senior management roles in corporate finance.
Prior to his current role he was the Chief Financial Officer for Bidvest McCarthy VW Audi in South Africa. Justin’s knowledge of the corporate financial world is highly valued at Business Central. He has modernised systems and processes and has a keen eye for using technology to solve challenges.
He looks forward to continuing to build strong relations between Business Central and its members and making a meaningful impact across our region, from Wellington to Nelson and the Lower North Island.
Justin is a Chartered Accountant with a BCom (Hons) degree from the University of Pretoria he obtained in 2004.
Executive Assistant
As Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Simon Arcus, Kacie plays a critical support role in the organisation. She also oversees the day-to-day running of the office.
Kacie’s professional approach and strong relationship building capability is a key to her effectiveness. She is a natural diplomat with a background in the legal sector, including a role with leading law firm Meredith Connell.
Kacie says that the challenges of an energetic young family outside of work help her stay ‘match fit’ to deal with anything.
Karun Shenoy
Wellington Chamber of Commerce President
Jo Healey
Capgemini
Brad Olsen
Infometrics
Mark Oldershaw
Whitireia and WelTec
Siah Hwee Ang
Victoria University of Wellington
Adele Rose
3R Group Ltd
Jono Dean
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
