Paul Gestro Email and Phone Number
International business professional with a lengthy background in finance, economics and accounting specialising in facilitating offshore investment into New Zealand and developing global markets for exporters. Initial experience gained by working for international firms in financial accounting and financial systems implementation through Europe, led to business consulting and sales work in the financial software industry and the set up of a global financial services business in New Zealand. Gained public sector expertise specialising in foreign direct investment, trade and economic development leading to diplomatic assignments in Asia (based in Singapore) and the U.S.A (based in New York).Building effective partnerships has driven new business and built capability including establishing an Asia business, international trade advocacy and a market leading venture debt programme for two leading Australasian banks. I also sit on international boards and business councils that promote trade and foreign direct investment (FDI).Specialties: Public sector, technology, eCommerce, foreign investment & trade, internationalisation, economic development, sales, marketing, venture capital, agricultural economics, business consulting.
-
Director Asb AccessAsb Bank Dec 2023 - PresentAuckland, New ZealandA newly created position to design, deliver and lead a unique programme to accelerate the export growth of established high-potential food and fibre businesses, through access to debt capital alongside advice, connections and expertise. The programme will support food and fibre exporters that are at a critical scale-up phase, taking a broader approach to lending, beyond traditional thinking and measures of risk and returns.In establishing ASB ACCESS, we're thinking differently about how we can change to meet the needs of the businesses of the future. This programme is about being more flexible, and supporting our food and fibre entrepreneurs based on the potential we see in them and their businesses.Eligible food and fibre businesses will be backed with advice, connections and support with international trade. We will be working alongside government agencies, industry groups, local business accelerators and global innovation platforms to facilitate this. -
International Trade ConsultantAsb Bank Feb 2020 - Nov 2023Auckland, New ZealandA newly created position to lead ASB and New Zealand exporter and importer partnerships through the provision of market leading trade and supply chain finance solutions. This is being achieved by connecting ASB customers to the global marketplace, promoting digital trade, accessing outstanding capability and building an advanced network of advocates. A core responsibility will be establishing innovative partnerships to enable New Zealand companies to grow domestically and internationally. -
Digital Payments Advisory CommitteeWorld Economic Forum Apr 2021 - PresentGeneva, SwitzerlandNew Zealand business representative on the global advisory board to guide the strategic vision and direction of digital payments for trade and commerce. The advisory board is committed to overcome the challenges to enable efficient and secure digital payments for trade and commerce including access to payments infrastructure for the 1.7 billion unbanked adults, remove cross border frictions associated with digital payments and bridge the gap between laws and regulations in payments technology. -
Board & Advisory EngagementWilliam Partnerships Feb 2009 - PresentAuckland, New ZealandWilliam Partnerships connects what the world has to offer with what New Zealand has to offer. It is an advisory business that represents international enterprises, individuals and organisations. Listed are the 10+ Board and Advisory positions currently held or concluded;Latin America CAPE - Advisory Group (Nov23-Present)Bolster - Advisory Board (Aug23-Present)NZ International Business Forum - Associate Member (Jan22-Present)World Economic Forum - Digital Payments Advisory Committee (Apr21-Present)Business Mentors - Mentor (Apr21-Present)Epsom Girls Grammar School - Foundation Board (Mar21-Present)Ecosystem - Principal Advisor (Oct19-Present)NZ Asian Leaders - Ambassador (Oct15-Present)Te Hono - Steering Committee (Jan21-Dec23)Epsom Girls Grammar School - Board Trustee (Oct15-Jun19)ASEAN NZ Business Council - Treasurer & Executive Committee (Jun13-Jun19)Japan NZ Business Council - Vice Chair (Jun13-Oct18)Latipay - Director (Apr17-Jun18)NZ International Business Forum - Board Member (Oct14-Jan17)NZ China Council - Advisory Board (Oct14-Jan17)Victoria University - Board Member Asia Business (Oct13-Jan17)Oob Foods - Advisory Board (Jan14-Aug15)Kea New York - Board Member (Feb09-Feb12) -
General ManagerContainer Door May 2017 - Jan 2020Auckland, New ZealandSupported the founder to lead and grow this eCommerce business that developed an online group buying community connecting directly to factories around the world. Key objective was to prepare the business for significant growth including implementing new financial, HR, warehouse and supply chain systems and building teams/culture. Over a two year period I completed two capital raises through wholesale investors and crowd funding. The business also diversified into food and alcohol and set up a new online platform called The Honest Grocer that deployed a unique business model to buy groceries. -
Head Of Asia BusinessBank Of New Zealand Feb 2013 - Feb 2017Auckland, New ZealandA newly created position to develop and deliver a strategy that positions the bank as a leader in Asia related trade and capital flow. Primary responsibility was for communicating the banks capabilities to assist New Zealanders and New Zealand companies throughout Asia and drive New Zealand's business and investment activities with Asia. The key goal was to lead the bank and its customers to financial services, networks and business opportunities throughout Asia. This included working with Asian corporations and individuals investing in New Zealand, local companies exporting to Asia and connecting global payments platforms such as Alipay & WeChat Pay to the bank. -
Director International PartnershipsNew Zealand Trade And Enterprise Mar 2012 - Jan 2013Auckland, New ZealandPart of a NZ Inc. establishment team to identify and develop international commercial partnerships between the NZ government and foreign governments (now G2G Know-How). Projects were either direct government to government commercial deals or involved private firms that commercialise government products and services within the public sector. Also involved in a number of international collaboration projects with New Zealand firms that leverage existing government assets particularly around major sporting events. -
Consul General New York, Director East America & Trade CommissionerNew Zealand Trade And Enterprise Feb 2009 - Feb 2012New York, UsaResponsible for the New Zealand Government trade, investment & consular activities in the East U.S.A covering our operations in New York, Washington and Ft Lauderdale offices. Represented New Zealand as Consul General in New York providing political and market advice, improving the position of New Zealand firms in global value chains and promoting the country as an attractive business and investment destination. Responsibility for the leadership of the trade and investment teams in the Eastern part of the United States. -
Director Investment & Regional Manager - South & South East AsiaNew Zealand Trade And Enterprise Aug 2005 - Jan 2009SingaporeA newly created role that required leadership and direction of specialist Asia business development resource in the Investment and Technology sectors. Responsibility to create a strategic plan and develop key senior relationships with international private and public organisations across South & South East Asia. -
Investment ManagerInvestment New Zealand Sep 2001 - Jul 2005Auckland, New ZealandInvestment New Zealand was created to be the specialist national investment promotion agency for New Zealand with Technology identified as one of three growth sectors. Responsibility to attract foreign investment (corporate, individual & venture capital) into the technology sector by managing strategic relationships with qualified investors. -
Senior Business Consultant - Financial & Management SystemsInfor Apr 1995 - Aug 2001Auckland, New Zealand & Sydney, AustraliaAdvise blue chip corporations on their financial system and management reporting requirements. Senior business consultant for SunSystems from Systems Union Group (now a product of Infor). Sales executive for Olympic Software for their suite of financial management information systems (SunSystems), ERP (Dynamics), CRM (Sebel) and develop the Microsoft relationship. -
Financial AccountantAuckland Council 1994 - 1995Auckland, New Zealand -
Financial AccountantThomson Reuters 1992 - 1994London, United Kingdom -
Management AccountantBull 1990 - 1992London, United Kingdom -
Management AccountantPhilips 1989 - 1990London, United Kingdom
Paul Gestro Education Details
-
High Potentials Leadership -
International Strategy & Leadership -
Finance, Marketing, Agriculture -
Diploma Of Horticulture -
Otumoetai College
Frequently Asked Questions about Paul Gestro
What company does Paul Gestro work for?
Paul Gestro works for Asb Bank
What is Paul Gestro's role at the current company?
Paul Gestro's current role is Food & Fibre | Growth Capital | International Business | Finance | Global Trade & Supply Chain.
What schools did Paul Gestro attend?
Paul Gestro attended Harvard Business School, The University Of Auckland, Massey University, Massey University, Otumoetai College.
Who are Paul Gestro's colleagues?
Paul Gestro's colleagues are Sonali Office, Matthew Lovejoy, Faiupu Ashley Isaia, Jed Randolph Verjes, Leeann Williams, Neil (Nirmal) Singh, Yvonne Ariadna Villalba.
Not the Paul Gestro you were looking for?
-
1xtra.co.nz
Free Chrome Extension
Find emails, phones & company data instantly
Aero Online
Your AI prospecting assistant
Select data to include:
0 records × $0.02 per record
Download 750 million emails and 100 million phone numbers
Access emails and phone numbers of over 750 million business users. Instantly download verified profiles using 20+ filters, including location, job title, company, function, and industry.
Start your free trial