GNZCC Young Professionals

Douglas Blair

Douglas began his working life as an auto electrician at 16 years of age. In his long automotive industry career, he has moved from technical, to purchasing, to sales, to marketing and market / business development and now on to General Management. As General Manager of the national wholesale Parts & Distribution Centre for Volkswagen Group Brands he is now a 20-year veteran in the Giltrap Group. He serves on the Leadership Team at European Motor Distributors Ltd (part of the Giltrap Group) helping lead and enable the team to deliver on industry benchmark supply levels and customer experience. With luck and hard work combining throughout his career to allow him to now be a senior automotive industry leader, he is keen to foster young talent on their path forging their own careers.

Shay Scott

Shay has over 20 years’ experience working for premium home appliance brands across New Zealand, Australia and North America. His experience is across operations, customers services and sales. Shay currently heads up Miele New Zealand as the recently appointed Commercial Director.

Britta Saxer

Britta Saxer is the founder of Saxer Design Ltd, celebrating its 20th anniversary in New Zealand. She is an experienced web designer who established one of the first web-based agencies in Berlin when the internet was still in its early stages. Over the years, her business has evolved to specialise in creating effective visual identities for businesses in New Zealand and Germany. The process involves designing and branding, finding the right visual and written language to communicate with the target audience of her clients, and providing marketing guidance. Authenticity is of utmost importance in her work, whether it's website design, photography, or branding. As a German with a business background in Berlin, Britta assists companies in creating a culturally appropriate framework when entering the German or New Zealand market. In October 2023, she was awarded the first-ever GNZCC Business Award for her contribution to DE/NZ Trade.

                                Anita Perkins 

Anita Perkins has her own business as a research consultant - Anita Perkins Consulting. She works with businesses on strategy and qualitative research and as a policy analyst for government departments. Anita has particular expertise in international relations, social impact, and environmental management. She has a PhD in German and has lived, studied and worked in Germany. Anita has volunteered as a job mentor, helping new residents from India, Brazil and Japan find work in Wellington.   

Walter Kuch

 Walter Kuch is the managing director of UZIN Utz South Pacific Ltd. , he founded the company 2008 in New Zealand, which looks after NZ, AUS and the Pacific islands.  UZIN UTZ, a listed family business, stands for Flooring technology in all its facets. The development from a small regional manufacturer of adhesives to one of the world's leading manufacturers of system products for flooring technology, because the clear focus on the core competence of environmental and user friendly flooring products is unique worldwide. UZIN Utz is active in 53 countries, thereof 20 countries with sales and/or manufacturing facilities and employs  app. 1500 people worldwide. Walter joined the company in 1987 had various technical roles as well as sales experience national and international. In 2006 Walter migrated with his family to New Zealand and established after a market research UZIN Utz Soth Pacific Ltd.

Amita Mistry

Amita is General Manager – Finance with Kingspan Insulation NZ Limited, an Irish multinational, based in Auckland. Amita is an experienced Finance Executive, held leadership roles in multinational companies, Monsanto, and Bayer, across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia Pacific. A proud track record in M&A, business transformation and improving operational excellence and raising the compliance and governance bar.
As an empathetic leader who values connection and community, Amita strives to create an environment where new ideas and different opinions are welcome. She believes that having a strong sense of her own identity, as well as ensuring diverse perspectives and people are at the table, enriches her experience as a leader and ultimately drives better results.
Amita holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Bombay, India as well as a Masters Diploma in Business Management from Symbiosis University, India. She is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with the Institute of Management Accountants and a Certified Member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand.

Chris Edwards

Since GO's inception in 2005, Chris has been driving the company's reputation as a high-performing, problem solving logistics powerhouse. He has been at the helm as the company has expanded globally and continues to look for more growth opportunities in new verticals in different markets.

A past President of the Customs Broker’s and Freight Forwarders Federation, Chris' passion is creating a company that delivers value to its customers and pride to its staff, as well as seeing Tottenham win the English Premier League at least once in his lifetime.

Adam Shaver

Adam Shaver was raised in Germany and is a Canadian and Australian dual citizen. He completed his Bachelor and MBA degrees in Canada, and joined the BMW Group there in 2002 as a Management Trainee. Since then, he has gained experience in various leadership roles both in Canada and at global headquarters in Munich, including a total of 10 years working on the MINI brand. He moved to New Zealand in 2022 to take on the position of Managing Director, BMW Group New Zealand, where he now works with his team and a strong network of BMW and MINI Dealers to provide industry-leading products and experiences to customers across the country.

Astrid Varchim

Astrid draws on 20+ years of experience in leading and delivering transformations in the areas of culture change, restructuring and system implementation. She has specialised in organisational development, change management and leadership development and has worked with global organisations and teams in Germany, Switzerland and the US across various industries. Astrid coaches leaders, individuals and teams to realise their full potential and adapt to changes.

She is a big believer in trusted advisory, the growth mindset, and collaborative, innovative formats.  In addition, Astrid engages in social projects and platforms which advocate diversity, inclusion and personal development.

Matthew Campbell

Matthew Campbell was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He attended Auckland Grammar School before pursuing a Bachelor of Business with majors in Finance & International Business at Auckland University. In 2010, Matthew relocated to London, where he spent six years working as an Accountant for consultancy company Oliver Wyman before transitioning to Westminster City Council as a finance business partner. During this time, he was also completing his ACCA to become a chartered accountant.

After London, Matthew moved to Sydney for two years, serving as a Financial Controller at GCA. Eventually, he returned home to Auckland, where he worked at Epay (Euronet) as a Finance Manager before joining the German family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim. At Boehringer Ingelheim, Matthew held roles in both the Animal Health and Human Pharmaceutical sectors, contributing to leading products in Diabetes and Respiratory in New Zealand. Over the past five years, Matthew has risen to the position of Head of Finance & Administration.

With a diverse background spanning various industries, Matthew finds his multifaceted experience highly beneficial in his finance career. Outside of his professional endeavors, he is also a part-owner of a building company called Eden Investment Group Limited and is involved in The Uncommon Wine of New Zealand, a venture launched by his wife Anna and her friend Hannah. These pursuits have been consuming a significant amount of Matthew's time in recent years, but both ventures are flourishing.