Struan Abernethy

Chief Executive/Director, CMInstD

New Zealand

About

An accomplished and award-winning Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair with a highly successful track record in dynamic and complex business environments – including international markets. I possess a wealth of experience in strategic and operational business planning, underpinned by a constant commitment to team and customer experience which has delivered outstanding results. My passion for business transformation has been instrumental to my ability to drive sustainable business growth and profitable outcomes, even in challenging markets. My commercial acumen and negotiation skills ensure I make strategic business decisions aligned with the company’s long-term objectives. As a leader, I enjoy building capability in others and have established and worked with many high-performing teams over the years who have consistently delivered great results whilst growing their careers inside and outside the organisation. Some of my more recent key achievements include: positioned REACH (ASX-listed as part of the iVE GROUP) to achieve a 97% market share; planned and executed the rebrand of Reachmedia to REACH; increased REACH team engagement to over 84%; managed an expansive business transformation of the Australian and NZ Leading Edge Group business; increased Leading Edge's market share in New Zealand from 55% to 100% over two years. Specialities: Leadership, Governance, Strategy, Business Transformation, Commerical Negotiations, Sales, Media, Technology Change, Talent Development and Building Culture. Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors.

Experience

  • Director at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Inc
    Nov 2025 - Present · 9 mos

    Serving as a Board Member for NZTR.

  • Chief Executive Officer at REACH
    Jul 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 1 mo

    In my current role, I deliver exceptional strategic, people and commercial leadership to drive the achievement of key organisational objectives across an ASX-listed entity under the iVE Group. With my collaborative approach, I work cross-functionally with the Executive Leadership Team to connect the organisation’s vision, value and strategic position with its operational activities, driving sustainable business growth. I lead the design, implementation and continuous refinement of the company’s strategy, leveraging people, financial and business resources to deliver on key priorities. I administer a substantial operating budget, driving sustainable growth and optimising return on investment through exceptional commercial acumen and diversified revenue streams, With my exceptional interpersonal skills, I have established countless strategic stakeholder partnerships and represent Reach and the broader IVE Group across a broad range of networks, including as chair of the NZ industry body. Additionally, I champion digital innovation and the integration of new technologies to improve the organisation’s capability and automate key processes.

  • Make-A-Wish Foundation New Zealand (7 yrs 1 mo)
    • Board Chair
      Jan 2023 - Nov 2025 · 2 yrs 11 mos

      Since becoming Chair I have led a Leadership and Board transformation resulting in more robust Governance process and approach, and a dynamic Leadership team who are empowered to drive the Charity to new levels of performance. My term has been extended by Make A Wish International by unanmious support from the NZ Board.

    • Board Trustee
      Nov 2018 - Nov 2025 · 7 yrs 1 mo

      Holding a Board position in the not for profit sector. Chair of Finance Committee for MAW NZ.

  • Independent Board Advisor at Redvespa Consultants Limited
    Aug 2021 - Oct 2024 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    Business Analytics Consultancy providing services to Enterprise and Government organisations.

  • Independent Director at Auckland Rugby League Inc
    Mar 2020 - Aug 2024 · 4 yrs 6 mos

    Governing body (Incorporated Society) of NZ's largest Rugby League entity. As an Independent Director I sat on the Carlaw Heritage Trust overseeing a signficant property investment porfolio.