Introducing Jonathan

Jonathan’s career in communications started with studying politics and journalism and has taken him through some of the country’s most significant communications challenges across both the public and private sectors. Over that period he’s developed a reputation for being direct, for commercial thinking and for bringing a refined sense of judgement and empathy to communications challenges. But he would say that. Here’s what his last Chief Executive said upon his decision to set up Series Two – link to Mike’s staff note.

From shepherding an electricity generator through a dry winter and public energy conservation campaign through to resource consenting and consultation around a multi-billion dollar renewable energy development programme, Jonathan has developed an ability to consistently build trust at all levels of an organisation – from customers through to the Board.

Over the last seven years Jonathan has been an integral part of one of New Zealand’s great business success stories - turning an unloved multinational oil company into one of New Zealand's most trusted brands and successful local companies. Working hand-in-hand with the Chief Executive and with a close working relationship with the Board, Jonathan’s approach to how Z communicates – and how people in turn perceive the company - has led Z to a range of coveted outcomes: 2016 Deloitte Top 200 company of the year; 2016 Deloitte Top 200 Chief Executive of the Year; INFINZ Merger and Acquisition of the Year (for Caltex acquisition); a top three rating for Corporate Social Responsibility; top two for Corporate Reputation in New Zealand; Aon Hewitt Top Employer in terms of staff engagement for 2015, 2016 and 2017.

In 2017 Jonathan was acknowledged as Corporate Communicator of the Year at the INFINZ Awards for his leadership around Z’s communications with shareholders, analysts, brokers and the full range of market participants.

In terms of his most recent experience, Jonathan has designed and managed the Initial Public Offer communications strategy for the float of Z Energy and designed and executed an investor relations programme for a $3 billion dual listed company with a global shareholder register. In 2015/2016 he led all of the internal, external and market communications associated with the $700 million acquisition of Chevron New Zealand, including the successful integration of the two companies.

He has designed and led Z’s community investment strategy since 2010, including the flagship ‘Good in the Hood’ programme, and has most recently led the process to set the company’s multi-year environmental sustainability and carbon reduction targets.

“Over the last 20 years I’ve worked in parliament as a press secretary, with small not-for-profits through to some of the country’s biggest listed companies on major commercial transactions. The breadth of communications challenges has been vast but there are universal lessons to be learned in terms of what makes successful communication. From a fund manager to a forecourt worker, if your communication isn’t clear, well-considered and – above all – authentic, your words are highly unlikely to have their desired impact,” he said.

Jonathan has decided to set up his own business and work with selected clients to build upon what he has helped achieve over the last 20 years.

“I want to help organisations and people succeed and achieve their potential and for me this all starts by being deliberate and clear around how we choose to communicate. I particularly want to partner with those organisations that are in action on trying to leave a better world for our kids.”

Jonathan lives in Wadestown with his wife, one year old daughter, three year old german shepherd and a 1971 Series Two Landrover (yes, that one on the front page!) He is passionate about New Zealand and our shared natural environment. Outside of his family, he spends some of his happiest moments fishing in wilderness rivers – that you can still drink from - well beyond cellphone coverage.