Business Whangaparaoa Networking with Mark Powell

Guest speaker: Mark Powell, Former CEO of The Warehouse Group
Title: “Learnings from a Lifetime in Business and Leadership"

Mark will share his journey in business and leadership from his South Wales working class roots in underground coal mining through to becoming CEO of The Warehouse Group and sitting on a range of Company boards. He will draw out what he’s learnt on that journey and allow plenty of time to take and discuss your questions.

Mark started his career in underground coal mining, before transitioning into Logistics and Retail in his mid-twenties. Prior to emigrating to NZ in 2002 he worked in North America, Spain and the UK with large scale retail organisations such as Tesco and Walmart. In NZ he became CEO of Warehouse Stationery and then The Warehouse Group.

Mark now has a portfolio of activities, including being part-time Adjunct Professor at Auckland University Business School, Non-Executive Director of the major ASX listed retailer ‘JB Hi-Fi’ and other public and private boards.

​Although Mark’s involvement in these large companies stands out, he also has extensive not-for-profit charity experience, has run a small business as a market stall trader and is about to start an electrical services business ‘Tahi Electrical’ with his son-in-laws. Mark has lived in Whangaparaoa for 17 years, since emigrating to New Zealand. His two daughters were foundation students at Whangaparaoa College and he Chaired the Board there. He is also actively involved in the community through Whangaparaoa Baptist Church.