The three finalists for this year's Deloitte Top 200 young executive of the year award have been named, with Wellington Zoo visitor experience manager Oli du Bern, New Zealand Post northern operations manager Mike Lewis and K9 Natural operations manager Mike Wilson contending for the award.
The award, which has been sponsored by NZIM and Eagle Technology since 2005, celebrates executives up to the age of 35 who have had a role in influencing, growing and providing direction within an organisation. Eagle Technology chief executive Gary Langford said it was great to be sponsoring an award highlighting the success of young executives.
"In these last 10 years, we've enjoyed meeting a parade of outstanding young business people who excel in their professional careers," Langford said.
"By the time the winner is announced each year, we have met all of the finalists and formed relationships with all three, often meeting again through our business dealings." Du Bern, Lewis and Wilson were selected from an initial pool of nominees, before winning the award in their regions. The three will now go on to compete as finalists for the overall award with du Bern representing the central area, Lewis representing the North and Wilson the South.
Du Bern has been working at Wellington Zoo since 2005, after he completed a bachelor's degree in tourism management at Victoria University. Since then, he has had a major influence in developing the zoo's visitor experience sector, as well as supporting a number of conservation and management committees.
