Melissa Clark-Reynolds

Main Achievements

• Start-Up (GMV Associates) to 50% sell down of my shares to a Corporate in 6 Years (1992 – 1998), then created a new alliance with the Corporate that grossed over $160m in Revenue. Co-CEO of company (Fusion), until sold down final shareholding in 2001 (responsible for Sales, Marketing and Operations, plus holding a Board position). Company developed large body of IP, systems and software for automating ACC/ Workers Compensation business.
• Fusion held 38% of NZ Private ACC Market. Assisted with major downsize when government changed and outlawed the business. Hired GM, and transitioned myself out.
• Established OHS& E Consultancy (GMVI) in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, prior to lifting of US Embargo. Joint venture with General Confederation of Trade Unions of Viet Nam 1992-1997. Numerous successful projects, including NZ Government funded aid work. Established a Rural Health clinic in Ba Vi, Northern Vietnam.
• Angel Investing (mixed success) in manufacturing, technology and entertainment companies. Assisted in my Investment Advisor’s office with preparation of fund-raising and IPO material. 2001- 2003 (and beyond).
• Assisted Founders (Greene Hanson/Right Group) during earn out period to US multinational (ManPower) –2003-2004
• Turnaround of poorly performing, publicly listed, technology company (INTAZ - it had tax losses of +/-$20m, on revenue of +/- 250k). Secured AU customers, (14 year contract); delivered software and services; company strategy review; major staff downsize and re-size; instigated operational processes; pitched to international VCs; prepared for sale. Company sold early 2006. 2004 –Feb 2006.
• Brought into poor performing technology company at Board request (PayGlobal). Company had had 2 CEO’s in previous 2 years, revenue plateaued. Reviewed all people and processes; right sized and performance management systems put in place (including investment in staff training; review of all people and remuneration processes). Customer satisfaction improved from 26% to >90%. Voluntary staff turnover reduced.
• Delivery of projects which had been unable to be delivered to customers for several years. Clean up of Balance sheet, and correction of previous years’ accounting anomalies. Introduction of Lean production techniques. Complete strategy overhaul. Focus on Value Proposition, Customer Service and Operational Excellence. Company left in good shape (modest profit), with systems and software product ready for scale (March 2006-May 2007).
• Coaching programme (GRIT) for Wellington Technology Entrepreneurs.  12 Entrepreneurs, 8 companies.  6 month curriculum programme supported by intensive mentoring to assist companies out of startup phase into growth phase.  Participants have received a subsidy form NZTE to be involved with this programme 2007/2008. 
  
• Creative HQ Entrepreneur in Residence.

Awards

• Her Business Hall of Fame - 2000
• Unlimited Magazine 150 most Powerful Women in NZ Business
• 2005 Unlimited Magazine named as one of NZ’s most admired Entrepreneurs
• Judge Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2000, 2001, 2005
• Deloitte Fast 50 – 2005  INTAZ
• Deloitte AsiaPac Fast 500 – 2005(INTAZ), 2006 (PayGlobal)
• Finalist Waikato Business Awards – Best People Practices 2005 (INTAZ)
• Regular Judge for HRINZ HR Initiative of the Year 2001-2007
• Featured in assorted books and Magazines on Business (my Favourites are Paul Smith’s Book – Success in NZ Business2; and Kay Douglas’ book Living Life Out Loud)
• Finalist Welling Cable Car Business Plan Competition October 2007

Principal Areas of Expertise

• Strategy
• Scaling Technology Companies
• High Tech Product Marketing and Management
• Leadership
• HR – NZ, US

Key Domain Areas

Technology Areas:

Tech Agnostic – managed product decisions and teams working in Delphi, Java, C#.net; Oracle and MS database products. Led technical teams using SAS, SPSS and applications on both PC and Mac platforms.

Qualifications

• BA (hons) Victoria University – Anthropology (major interest in Women’s Health)
• MCRP Rutgers University, NJ, USA (Environmental Health & Epidemiology)

Business and Community Networks

• Biz –Wellington. Teaching courses for technology companies since 2004. Specialising in scaling and growth issues; high tech product marketing and management; NZTE Investment Ready.
• NZIOD – Graduate of Certificate in Company Direction
• Supports  and volunteers with a number of organization, particularly for teens (eg YES Mentor Christchurch Girls High School;  New Leaders Forum; Step Up; RYLA).
• Al Gore’s Climate Project Ambassador – present The Inconvenient Truth Slideshow and work with government and businesses regarding Climate Change