Senior Leadership Team

Heidi leads the the teams running Venues Wellington and the city’s major events, positioning Wellington as a bold and vibrant capital that punches above its weight. Within the wider organisation, she leads corporate services; finance, IT, health and safety, people and culture, and data and insights, ensuring they continue to be valued partners with a wide and varied mandate.

Heidi has extensive experience in strategic operations and is known for her ability to lead high-performing teams and build strong partnerships. She is passionate about ensuring WellingtonNZ helps creates memorable experiences that contribute to regional prosperity and put it on the map as an events and experience destination.

Stu heads up the teams that are focused on jobs for the future — supporting businesses to grow, innovate, and meet future workforce needs across Te Upoko o Te Ika (Wellington Region).

WellingtonNZ’s Business and Innovation unit brings together Screen Wellington, business growth, regional economic development, Māori and Pasifika, and workforce development.

Stu and his team work in partnership with a wide variety of stakeholders to deliver the objectives of the Wellington Regional Economic Development Plan on behalf of the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee, Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy, Regional Business Partners Programme and the Screen Sector Strategy.

Todd heads the team that is responsible for trade tourism, maintaining industry partnerships, championing destination management and the visitor experience provided through the Wellington isite. He also leads the marketing, digital, content, and communications teams, championing the storytelling and engagement of audiences, encouraging all to experience Wellington as a place to visit, work, live, and invest in.

A proud resident of Te Whanganui a Tara, Todd is passionate about showcasing all that Wellington has to offer to New Zealand and the world. Prior to WellingtonNZ, Todd held various roles at New Zealand Rugby, delivering global marketing and sponsorship campaigns, leading commercial programmes, and building long-standing trusted partnerships with domestic and international organisations.

Vathany leads the People and Culture team. A people-first leader, she focuses on fostering an inclusive and meaningful environment for WellingtonNZ's kaimahi to work and deliver on their goals. The team works across all people aspects of the organisation, from partnering with leaders to attracting new hires, to driving initiatives that make a difference to how we work better together.

Vathany brings HR expertise from working with private and public sector organisations. Outside of mahi, she is a big fan of Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui and all it has to offer — from incredible eateries and whānau-friendly offerings to diverse events.