Join the Auckland Business Chamber and the Ports of Auckland on Thursday, 11 May, 2023 to gain insights into the latest strategies for international marketing, learn how to protect your brand in the digital space, and leverage your brand story to expand your business globally.

In this session, we’ll delve into the best practices for e-commerce and marketing in the global trade landscape. You’ll gain insights into the latest marketing strategies for different markets, and why it’s important to protect your brand in the digital space. We’ll also explore how to leverage your brand story to reach new customers and expand your business into global markets.

Roger Gray
Chief Executive, Ports of Auckland

Keynote Speaker

Roger Gray is an experienced CEO and business leader with a proven track record of delivering growth and sustained profitability. As the Chief Executive of Ports of Auckland, he is committed to the company’s vision of being a world-class port company known for skilled people, innovation, and sustainable practices. Ports of Auckland provides a wide range of services, including container handling, bulk cargo handling, marine services, intermodal freight hubs, supply chain management services, and facilities to support the cruise ship industry.

As a keynote speaker, Roger brings his wealth of experience and knowledge in business leadership and sustainable practices to the table. His insights on finding the right balance for businesses between People, Planet, and Prosperity are fundamental to his approach to business. Through his collaborative leadership style and passion for sustainability, Roger inspires and motivates audiences to embrace a more sustainable approach to business, driving growth and profitability while also contributing to the greater good of the community and the environment. Attendees of our events will benefit greatly from his valuable contributions and strategies and global experience.

E-Commerce Panel Speakers

Zack Pentecost
Founder, Noria Enterprises

Zack is the Founder of Noria, an end-to-end marketplace solutions company, supporting New Zealand brands to expand globally through online marketplaces such as Amazon and Walmart.com. Zack has over half a dozen years working on international ecommerce strategy for multi-national brands; directly with his team at Noria, and previously as Global Head of Amazon at ZURU. 

Damon Paling
Independent Director and NZTE Beachheads Advisor

Damon brings over 20 years of experience in Asia both in the private and public sector, in the fields of international business development, market access and compliance.  

Rebecca Hunter
Marketing Director, Manuka RX

Rebecca is the Marketing Director from Manuka RX.

As the Marketing Director at ManukaRx, Rebecca scaled a 5-figure New Zealand e-commerce skincare brand to over 7 figures in less than twelve months. She is a creative and analytical digital marketer with a huge passion for B2C global marketing strategies.

John Reilly
Business Development Manager, Trade Me

Originally from Northern Ireland, John is from a legal and financial services background. He joined Trade Me in 2015 and is responsible for marketplace development. In his role, John ensures the vibrancy of Trade Me’s marketplace by liaising with both domestic and international sellers to fill supply gaps.

Marketing Panel Speakers

Derek Yu
Head of Sales, Whittakers

Derek Yu is head of sales Asia at Whittaker’s, leading strategy developments and commercial executions. Whittaker’s chocolate currently sells in Southeast Asia, Greater China and East Asia.  

Derek has more than ten-year experience of in international business and the FMCG category. Before joining Whittaker’s, Derek delivered other New Zealand business growth in Asia including Ecostore. He is a University of Auckland graduate with a Master’s degree in international business and attended WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management’s MBA European summer programme in Germany.  

Caroline Hong
Director of Online Operations, JEL NZ LTD.

She focuses on the online sales of NZ seafood in the Chinese market by distributing them on the platforms like WeChat, Taobao, Douyin (also known as TikTok) or JD.

JEL NZ is currently upgrading their ERP system to match the growth of the business and data, and it will provide collaborative management of factory warehouses, logistics, customers, and multi-online store management.

Angelina Ashcroft
Head of Marketing, Ecostore Company

Angelina is the Head of Marketing for the Ecostore Company. Ecostore manufactures household cleaners, body care, skin care, baby care and oral care products at their carbonZero-certified factory in Auckland. Ecostore exports to Australia, China, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan and Japan.