New Icehouse board members

The Icehouse is uniquely positioned to help drive the resurgence of the New Zealand economy, said chair David Downs, as he welcomed three new influential board members to the business growth organisation last week.

Duncan McFarlane, founder of New Zealand’s largest wine company, Indevin Group; Rewa Willis, co-founder of corporate affairs firm Sherson Willis; and pioneering property leader Mark Synnott complement the experience of current business heavyweights on the board: Steven Joyce, Nicole Buisson, Anne Catley, Lindsay Zwart, and Downs.

Willis and McFarlane are both alumni of the flagship Icehouse Owner Manager Programme.

“Adding alumni of our programmes ensures we stay close to our core customers – founder-owned New Zealand businesses with an aspiration to grow,” Downs said.

With more than three decades of business growth, strategy, and leadership experience, McFarlane established Indevin Group in 2003.

Under his leadership, Indevin expanded from a contract winemaking business into a major vineyard owner, winemaker and exporter, producing approximately 20% of New Zealand’s annual wine volume.

Rewa Willis.

After 20 years at the helm, McFarlane retired as Indevin CEO in early 2024 but remains actively involved as a non-executive director. He also serves as director of New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) and chair of the NZW advocacy committee.

“My association with the Icehouse began when I participated in the Owner Manager Programme in 2008, and we have had a strong association and affinity ever since. I know that the skills, learnings, and connections I acquired during that time were pivotal in both my personal growth and the growth of the Indevin business and strongly believe that business owners with an aspiration to grow would be well-served by experiencing what the Icehouse has to offer,” McFarlane said.

Rewa Willis co-founded Sherson Willis with Trish Sherson in 2006 and has led the business operations for nearly two decades. The business has grown to become one of Aotearoa’s most respected corporate communications firms and is also the New Zealand affiliate for the strategic communications arm of FTI Consulting, a global business advisory firm with offices across 29 countries.

“With nearly 20 years of experience running a business and as an alumni of the Owner Manager Programme, I understand the importance of managing growth and developing strong leadership. I look forward to contributing to The Icehouse, especially at such a pivotal time for New Zealand businesses.”

Mark Synnott.

With more than three decades of experience in the property sector and the recipient of numerous leadership awards, Mark Synnott is credited with the extensive growth of Colliers and was CEO for almost 29 years. Now in the role of executive chair, he brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to the board.

“Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the benefits of continuous learning and strategic leadership training on a company’s bottom line. I’m excited to bring my experience to an organisation that empowers businesses through education and training.”

Downs highlighted the crucial role of SMEs in accelerating the recovery of New Zealand’s economy and the importance of collaborative efforts to maximise growth, including the Small Business Advisory Group, of which he is chair and Icehouse CEO Olivia Blaylock is a member.

“Productive and well-managed businesses provide the energy that powers our economy,” he said. “Our balanced board bring a wealth of experience from multiple sectors and together with the strong Icehouse leadership team led by Olivia, we know that our charity's purpose – to help companies grow smarter and grow faster – will significantly contribute to growing New Zealand.” 

This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.