Our team

Our Business
Our Business

He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata

He aha te mea nui i te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people. 

We believe in the value of our people. We know that the best solutions are achieved when you’ve got the best team of people – and we’re continually proving it through our industry innovation, safety leadership and commercial success.

That’s why our people are so important to us. It’s what drives our commitment to building a safety and wellness culture where all staff return home safe each day.

Whether we’re developing our existing people or bringing on new recruits, we’re committed to building a team of ‘better people’ – people skilled in their roles, with the confidence and ability to take the initiative, to look for the best solutions, and to achieve the best outcomes, safely, every time.

It starts from the top. That’s why we’ve built a resolute team of senior leaders who value our people, our culture and our commitment to safety. A senior leadership team strong in expertise, integrity and passion – leading the way in developing and inspiring talented and capable people.

Meet our team

Todd Dawson [Chief Executive]

Todd joined Napier Port as the Chief Executive in 2018, bringing broad commercial experience from across a range of industries and deep expertise across the supply chain, transport and logistics sectors. Prior to Napier Port, Todd led strategic partnerships and new ventures at Kotahi Logistics, working on the introduction of bigger ships to New Zealand and the establishment of intermodal freight hubs.

He has over 25 years’ experience and has previously held senior roles at IBM NZ, Toll New Zealand, Sainsbury’s Supermarkets (UK) and Mainfreight.

Todd holds a Bachelor of Science and a Postgraduate Diploma of Business in Operations Management from the University of Auckland. He is a member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand and is Chair of the Manawatu Inland Port, Napier Port’s intermodal joint venture with Halls Transport (Talley’s Group).

Kristen Lie [Chief Financial Officer]

Kristen joined Napier Port as Chief Financial Officer in September 2015. Kristen has more than 25 years’ financial experience and strong commercial and strategic planning skills. Kristen returned to Hawke’s Bay after some 18 years working across London, Moscow and Oslo. His previous roles have been with the London-based office of listed shopping centre group Westfield, London-based property investment company Grosvenor, Ernst & Young, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Kristen holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University and is a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Financial Analyst, and is a member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.

David Kriel [General Manager Commercial]

David joined Napier Port as General Manager – Commercial in 2018. David has an extensive background in transport and logistics and worked with Lodestar and Oji Fibre Solutions from 2005 to 2018.

David is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. He is a member of the Eastern Asian Society for Transport Studies and the Humanitarian Logistics Association, as well as the Institute of Directors in New Zealand. David sits on the board of the New Zealand Cruise Association and the advisory board of ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay.

Adam Harvey [Chief Operating Officer]

As COO Adam has oversight across Napier Port’s container terminal, marine and cargo operations. Adam joined Napier Port’s human resources team in 2010 later becoming Container Terminal Manager and prior to his current position, was General Manager Marine and Cargo Operations.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Psychology, both from the University of Otago. He is the immediate past Chairperson of the Port Industry Association.

David Broad [General Manager Assets and Infrastructure]

David oversees various critical aspects of the port’s operations including maintenance, planning, and construction of assets and infrastructure, as well as the environmental and sustainability programs.

David leads asset and master planning, which are instrumental in charting the course for future growth and development. Comprehensive in scope, this integrates and addresses capacity requirements, while placing a strong emphasis on emissions reduction and climate change management.

David’s background is in operational and complex asset management. He joined Napier Port in June 2021 as Fleet Services Manager. Prior to this he held engineering leadership roles with Jetstar Airways Ltd, BAE Systems Ltd Australia. He holds a diploma in Aeronautical Engineering & is currently studying for an MBA through Otago University.

Jo-Ann Young [Corporate Affairs Manager]

Jo-Ann leads the corporate affairs function at Napier Port covering internal and external communications, community engagement and sponsorship, stakeholder relations and investor communications. She joined Napier Port in 2020 as Communications Manager and assumed the newly created Corporate Affairs Manager role in June 2022.

Jo-Ann brings experience in communications, marketing, media, and public affairs across infrastructure, politics, health, education and FMCG sectors, spanning New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Jo-Ann holds a Master of Arts in Political Communication from Victoria University.

Chris Wylie [General Manager Port Optimisation]

Chris leads the Port Optimisation, Information Technology and Human Resources Teams.  He has been with Napier Port since 2007 and has extensive experience in operational, system and leadership roles.

Chris has a Masters Degree in Maritime Management and Logistics from the University of Tasmania.