Spark New Zealand appoints new director to the Spark Board

Friday 3rd May 2024

The Spark New Zealand Board announced today it has appointed Lisa Nelson as an independent, non-executive director, effective 8 May 2024. Lisa will be a member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARMC) and a member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee (HRCC).

An experienced director, and venture capital and startup advisor, Lisa is well versed in governance, technology and innovation. She brings with her over 25 years’ experience across the technology and financial services industries globally, including 15 years in executive finance and business development roles with Microsoft, where she co-founded and served as Managing Director of Microsoft’s first venture fund. Lisa began her career in public accounting.

Lisa is currently a director on the Boards of Destiny Tech100 (a NYSE listed company where she chairs the Audit Committee), Astra Space (a NASDAQ listed company where she chairs the Compensation Committee), Seattle Bank, and Banqer (an early-stage New Zealand-based startup). She is also a strategic advisor to Brooks Running, Flying Fish Ventures, Path Ahead Ventures, and Movac, and a former strategic adviser to MATTR Limited. Lisa is Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander and American by heritage, and is currently based in the United States.

Spark New Zealand Chair Justine Smyth says, "Lisa has wide ranging governance experience, from early-stage start-ups to listed businesses, and deep experience in technology sectors globally. This will be a valuable addition to the Board, and we look forward to Lisa joining us and supporting Spark’s strategy to empower the people and businesses creating Aotearoa’s tomorrow.”

Lisa says, “The rapid pace of technological transformation brings with it so much opportunity for individuals and businesses alike, and as the country’s largest telecommunications and digital services provider, Spark has a pivotal role to play in helping New Zealand accelerate towards its digital future. I’m honoured to join the Spark Board and to support the team at this exciting time for the business and sector more broadly.”

In accordance with Spark’s constitution, Lisa will retire and offer herself for re-election at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in November 2024.

The Spark Board has an ongoing succession programme and will continue to consider the relevant skills and experience required to support Spark in delivering its 3-year strategy to 2026.

Spark New Zealand appoints new director to the Spark Board

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