Invest New Zealand strengthens leadership team

Tharma is an experienced infrastructure investor with 21 years’ experience across digital infrastructure, renewable energy and technology in the Asia Pacific region, including roles at Macquarie Capital and Stonepeak. He also brings investment banking experience from Merrill Lynch and Macquarie Capital, advising on capital raising, restructuring, divestments and acquisitions. Tharma is a graduate of the University of Melbourne and University College London.

Nicole is an experienced investment, asset management and governance leader with more than 20 years’ experience across New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Over 15 years with global infrastructure investment manager Morrison, she was responsible for a portfolio of digital infrastructure and healthcare investments across New Zealand and Australia, alongside a range of PPP investments. Her governance experience includes serving on the boards of CDC, One NZ, Fortysouth and Qscan. Nicole began her infrastructure investment career in London, working with Equitix and London Underground on PPP investments.

Simone has held the role of Director – Active Investor Plus at Invest New Zealand and is now stepping into the expanded role of Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Invest New Zealand, Simone was the Assistant Governor and General Manager Strategy, Engagement and Sustainability for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and previously worked at the Financial Markets Authority. Simone’s role will include responsibility for our engagement with the Board.

Benny Goodman has been on the Invest New Zealand leadership team since the agency was established and is taking on a broader remit. Based in Singapore, Benny is a director with significant experience in debt origination, liability management and capital sourcing.

He was formerly an Investment Director at Invest NZ and prior to that was New Zealand Trade and Enterprise's Regional Director and Investment Director for East Asia and Greater China for both Trade and Investment, Additionally, he has worked in Australia, the United Kingdom and Singapore for several large global European and United States banking institutions; including Deutsche Bank, BNP and JP Morgan.

"It’s great to have people with a wealth of experience in international markets and across target sectors join the team at Invest New Zealand. This positions us well to deliver on our purpose to materially increase the flow of international capital into New Zealand, targeting sectors with the greatest growth and productivity potential", said Robert Wall, Chief Executive at Invest New Zealand.