The Factory’s general manager Nick Gain will be stepping into the acting chief executive role.
A new team has been assembled at Manawatū-based entrepreneur support organisation The Factory ahead of the departure of chief executive Dave Craig next month.
Craig has spent 10 years at The Factory, firstly as marketing manager, then as chief executive from 2019.
Chair Murray Georgel says Craig’s accomplishments include building The Factory’s core community programme, Innovate, which celebrated its 10th year in 2021, as well as the AgTech Hackathon, a design thinking event that attracts and connects tech talent to primary industries to collaborate on software projects.
He has also overseen Startup Weekend, a 52-hour event where aspiring entrepreneurs experience the life of a founder, and most recently, Investment Ready, a programme powered by the Ministry for Primary Industries to help New Zealand agribusinesses to attract the right investment for their capital-raising projects.
The Factory’s general manager Nick Gain will be stepping into the acting chief executive role.
Gain has been with The Factory for eight years and has worked across all segments of the business, including running its startup programmes and managing its angel investment group, MIG Angels.
He will be supported by appointments to two new positions, Scott Haumaha as general manager – startup and investment and Rachel O’Connor, general manager – marketing and programmes.
Haumaha, who has a background in accounting, finance and wealth management, is an experienced financial and strategic advisor, while O’Connor is a marketing and communications specialist with more than 20 years’ experience.
Although Craig is moving to a new job, he will remain closely connected to The Factory as a stakeholder, advisor and angel investor.
Georgel says while there are personnel changes, it’s business as usual with the organisation’s programmes and key activities.
Activities are scheduled throughout the year, the startup programme is busy and the Innovate platform is gearing up for delivery across Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay, and Whanganui and Taranaki.
