Paul Gestro

Paul Gestro Email and Phone Number

Food & Fibre | Growth Capital | International Business | Finance | Global Trade & Supply Chain @ ASB Bank
auckland, auckland, new zealand
Paul Gestro's Location
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand, New Zealand
About Paul Gestro

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.

Paul Gestro's Current Company Details
ASB Bank

Asb Bank

View
Food & Fibre | Growth Capital | International Business | Finance | Global Trade & Supply Chain
auckland, auckland, new zealand
Website:
asb.co.nz
Employees:
2700
Paul Gestro Work Experience Details
  • Asb Bank
    Director Asb Access
    Asb Bank Dec 2023 - Present
    Auckland, New Zealand
    A 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.
  • Asb Bank
    International Trade Consultant
    Asb Bank Feb 2020 - Nov 2023
    Auckland, New Zealand
    A 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.
  • World Economic Forum
    Digital Payments Advisory Committee
    World Economic Forum Apr 2021 - Present
    Geneva, Switzerland
    New 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.
  • William Partnerships
    Board & Advisory Engagement
    William Partnerships Feb 2009 - Present
    Auckland, New Zealand
    William 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)
  • Container Door
    General Manager
    Container Door May 2017 - Jan 2020
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Supported 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.
  • Bank Of New Zealand
    Head Of Asia Business
    Bank Of New Zealand Feb 2013 - Feb 2017
    Auckland, New Zealand
    A 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.
  • New Zealand Trade And Enterprise
    Director International Partnerships
    New Zealand Trade And Enterprise Mar 2012 - Jan 2013
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Part 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.
  • New Zealand Trade And Enterprise
    Consul General New York, Director East America & Trade Commissioner
    New Zealand Trade And Enterprise Feb 2009 - Feb 2012
    New York, Usa
    Responsible 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.
  • New Zealand Trade And Enterprise
    Director Investment & Regional Manager - South & South East Asia
    New Zealand Trade And Enterprise Aug 2005 - Jan 2009
    Singapore
    A 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 New Zealand
    Investment Manager
    Investment New Zealand Sep 2001 - Jul 2005
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Investment 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.
  • Infor
    Senior Business Consultant - Financial & Management Systems
    Infor Apr 1995 - Aug 2001
    Auckland, New Zealand & Sydney, Australia
    Advise 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.
  • Auckland Council
    Financial Accountant
    Auckland Council 1994 - 1995
    Auckland, New Zealand
  • Thomson Reuters
    Financial Accountant
    Thomson Reuters 1992 - 1994
    London, United Kingdom
  • Bull
    Management Accountant
    Bull 1990 - 1992
    London, United Kingdom
  • Philips
    Management Accountant
    Philips 1989 - 1990
    London, United Kingdom

Paul Gestro Education Details

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.

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