Christopher Thompson Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

London Area, United Kingdom

Auckland, New Zealand

At this digital transformation consultancy, I specialised in advancing digital capabilities for financial institutions, notably Jarden (a major New Zealand investment bank and wealth advisory firm). My work revolved around deploying strategic technology solutions, optimising digital and operational processes, and enhancing system efficiencies to foster innovation and scalability in financial services.Notable Contributions:• Project Management & Operational Analysis: Led the review and enhancement of settlement and clearing processes at Jarden, achieving scalable post-trade solutions and significantly improving procedural efficiency in financial services.• Strategic Advisory & System Analysis: Played a pivotal role in a strategic advisory capacity, evaluating and addressing the impacts of significant IT system changes and regulatory shifts on the wealth advisory function.• Process Investigation & Documentation: Conducted thorough investigations and documentation of business processes using MIS tools, identifying integration opportunities and implementing process improvements.• Process Reframing and Workflow Enhancement: Reengineered task-based activities into an efficient process landscape, leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency.• Business Process Reengineering (BPR) & Process Enhancements: Redesigned workflows for post-trade operations, facilitating the adoption of a new control system that optimised performance in the institutional and wealth advisory sectors.• Compliance & Governance: Collaborated with Risk & Compliance teams to strengthen compliance with financial market regulations, identifying risks and implementing effective controls.• Digital Transformation: Led the initiation and implementation of a Target Operating Model and Cloud Transformation, conducting gap analysis to support strategic technology integration.

Auckland, New Zealand

Jarden is New Zealand’s leading investment and advisory group operating in New Zealand and Australia and operate as a market participant investment bank and a wealth advisory firm.

Auckland, New Zealand

In my role as General Manager at this leading NZ food manufacturer and wholesaler specialising in meat products, I spearheaded the creation and implementation of financial budgets and strategic plans, directly reporting to the board.Notable Contributions:• Strategic Leadership: Managed manufacturing processes, sales, and finance departments, overseeing the production and supply of meat products, including beef, pork, chicken, venison, and turkey. My responsibilities covered everything from raw butchery cuts to processed ready-to-eat items, smoked products, and ingredients for pies and canned products, overseeing an output of approximately 35 tons weekly.• Stakeholder Management: Served as the primary liaison with key regulatory bodies and stakeholders, including MPI (NZ Government Agency), Worksafe (NZ H&S Regulator), lawyers and accountants, ensuring compliance and fostering effective communication.• CRM: Oversaw significant client portfolios, maintaining and enhancing relationships with key clients Compass Catering, Heinz Watties, Goodtime Pies, Lonestar, Joe's Garage, Countdown, and Foodstuffs.• Restructuring: Led the consolidation of manufacturing sites and the streamlining of small goods personnel, achieving a significant reduction in overhead costs.• Negotiation & Commercial Management: Successfully renegotiated overdue debts, enhancing the company's financial standing.• Crisis Management: Directed the company's response to an MPI-direction regarding a listeria outbreak, including managing a precautionary trade recall and investigation.• NPD & Marketing Mix: Championed the planning and launch of new products, including Sous Vide Pork Roast for nationwide supermarket distribution. Also collaborated with Hello Foods (a sister company) on developing innovative product lines including juices and coffee.• BCP: Provided leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuity of business operations and adapting to the evolving market requirements.

Auckland, New Zealand

Throughout a decade at this leading provider of automotive refinishing solutions in New Zealand, I progressed through several roles, contributing significantly to operational enhancements, strategic planning, and sustainability initiatives.Commercial Manager (2017 - 2020)As Commercial Manager I directed all operations and led cross-functional teams (Sales, Tech Support, IT, Supply Chain, and Finance), driving organisational strategy, enhancing efficiency, and profitability in collaboration with the board of directors.Notable Contributions:• Cost Savings: Achieved significant reductions in operational expenses, notably in rent and power costs.• Change Management: Guided the board through a change management process, facilitating the restructuring of directorship and successfully refinancing loans with the bank. • Company Restructuring: Optimised the distribution system in the North Island, introducing efficiency measures that enhanced service delivery.• SRM & SCM: Served as the primary point of contact for key client and import supplier accounts, managing significant import operations.• CSR Product Strategy & Management: Led a sustainability project that successfully transitioned key accounts from isocyanate-based paints to eco-friendly waterborne paints, reducing environmental impact and meeting market demand for sustainable products.• Business Planning & Industry Research: Conducted industry research that was published in trade magazines, showcasing thought leadership.

Auckland, New Zealand

Following a consulting role advancement, I managed key accounts, focusing on benchmarking, industry seminars, and supporting client growth.Notable Contributions:• KPIs and Strategic Alignment: Initiated KPI-measured planning sessions, aligning firm-wide strategies and identifying improvement areas.• VR Retail Innovation: Implemented VR systems for clients, enhancing decision-making and workshop efficiency.• Collaborative Profit Growth: Partnered with clients to achieve notable increases in net profit, overcoming industry challenges.

Auckland, New Zealand

Started in an operational leadership role where I oversaw logistics, administration, IT and customer service, enhancing import logistics efficiency.Notable Contributions:• IT Infrastructure Management: Updated and maintained IT networks, negotiating competitive service contracts and introducing a cloud-based system for telecommunications, reducing expenses and enabling remote working.• Lean Tools Implementation: Adopted 5S and Kanban methodologies, reducing stock shortages and emergency freight expenses.• Market Expansion: Drove revenue growth through strategic branch expansion and acquisitions.

Akzo Nobel are experts in the craft of making paints and coatings by setting the standard in color and protection since 1792. The world class portfolio of brands includes Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon. The company is active in over 150 countries and employ around 34,500 people.This was a broad role that was accountable for maintaining the sales and logistics SAP modules, assisting in new developments, as well as leading the implementation and design of the SAP e-sales project.

Master Of Business Administration - Mba

Bachelor Of Engineering (B.E.) (Hons), Mechatronics, Robotics, And Automation Engineering

Diploma Of Management (Advanced)