Ex-Kordia CEO Scott Bartlett dies, aged 40, after cancer battle

Scott Bartlett in June 2019. Photo / Instagram

One of the highest-profile personalities on the New Zealand tech scene has died age 40, after losing his battle with cancer.

"It is with deep sadness that Kordia Group announces its former CEO, Scott Bartlett, has passed away following a valiant and courageous fight against brain cancer," Kordia Group said in a statement this morning.

"Scott was one of the most respected business leaders in New Zealand. He had a brilliant mind and a natural ability to motivate the very best in the people around him," Kordia Group acting CEO Shaun Rendell said.

"While this is an immensely sad day for us all, Scott's life and achievements – particularly at such a young age – are a legacy to be admired and celebrated. His vision, his passion for life and creating a workplace where everyone had an opportunity to thrive are what made him such an incredible leader. He was always an advocate for diversity and was very proud of his work with the LGBTQ+ community. The New Zealand business community has lost an outstanding person," Kordia Chair John Quirk said.

Jason Paris, CEO of sometime Kordia rival Vodafone, posted, "Incredible guy. Brave, smart, kind and funny. Without doubt one of the best that the telco industry has ever seen."

Bartlett stepped down as the state-owned company's chief executive on October 2 to focus on his health.

In August last year, Bartlett was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours, and began a leave-of-absence.

"After undergoing a period of remission, he returned in January 2020 to resume his role but unfortunately become ill again two months ago," Kordia said this morning.

Bartlett, who chronicled his illness via his Instagram account, was just five years out of university when the ISP he was working for, Orcon, was sold by founder Seeby Woodhouse to Kordia for $24.3 million in 2007.

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A post shared by Scott Bartlett (@scottbartlettnz)

While Woodhouse (now running Voyager) exited stage-left with the deal, Bartlett stayed on - at first running Orcon as a division within Kordia, then rising through the ranks to run Kordia Group as a whole.

Kordia chairman John Quirk said earlier that Bartlett led Kordia to new heights during his tenure with the company.

"When Scott was first appointed CEO of Kordia Group in 2016, we were largely known as a broadcasting and networks company. His leadership has seen Kordia evolve into the digital era, becoming a leading provider in business technology. He was instrumental in developing our cybersecurity capabilities with the acquisition of Aura Information Security and advancing our focus on cloud connectivity and transformation," Quirk said when Bartlett stepped down as chief executive.

"The work Scott has done with Kordia speaks for itself. He is one of the most talented business people in New Zealand. Kordia is truly a better place to work because of Scott. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues at Kordia."

Rendell will continue his role as acting group CEO until a permanent replacement for Bartlett is appointed.

I remember the press conference when Orcon was sold to Kordia and Seeby said Scott would stay to head the ISP. Scott looked about 14. Thought he would last about 5 minutes at a corporate. He ended up running the whole show.

— Chris Keall (@ChrisKeall) December 14, 2020

Aw man, that's so sad. I never had anything but pleasant dealings with Scott.

— Russell Brown (@publicaddress) December 15, 2020

Incredible guy. Brave, smart, kind and funny. Without doubt one of the best that the telco industry has ever seen.

— Jason Paris (@JasonCParis) December 15, 2020

A decent and open human being who always had time for a chat. A real loss for the industry

— Mat Bolland (@Telcowatcha) December 15, 2020

Great leader, great friend. Will be missed RIP SB

— Scott LF🇳🇿🧙‍♂️⚽️ (@SlaFranchie) December 15, 2020

Vale Scott. One of the good buggers https://t.co/UoQwXf9yRt

— Phil Veal (@pjveal) December 15, 2020

A real pioneer of NZ tech sector and a good human to go with it. Rest In Peace, Scott. Thank you for showing us the way.

— Punakaiki Fund (@punakaikifund) December 15, 2020