Summer Q&A: Craig Richardson, chief executive of Wynyard Group

Craig Richardson says NZ is in a good place but there will be volatility globally. Photo / Sam Frost

What was your first job?

My first job was as an industrial chemist intern in the tasting and testing lab for a major brewery. I was paid in kind not cash which made me popular with my friends but didn't help my vacation savings.

My first real job was at Rio Tinto's Aluminium Smelter at Bell Bay Australia. I signed up as an accountant but the workforce went on extended strike the day I started so my first month's induction was as a labourer on the pot lines.

What did you learn from it?

Front line operations. In every job I have had since, the first thing I do is to learn front line operations. If you don't know how it's made, you can't sell it. If you can't sell it you can't grow it. If you can't grow it, you can't lead it.

What was the best advice you got from your parents?

Education first. They spent every dollar they had on making sure my sisters and I got a university education because they understood the opportunities it would create.

How will you relax over the summer break?

Summer break doesn't start at Wynyard until January. After that I will be taking a few days off with family and friends at Matarangi Beach and road testing a little catamaran purchased on Trade Me recently.

What are the big challenges ahead for 2016 for your company?

Organised and trans-national crime continues to grow. New generation extremism is a concern for most governments. High consequence cyber crime is keeping our corporate customers awake at night.

The big challenge for Wynyard next year is to put our resources in the right place at the right time to service our growing customer base as they come to terms with the new normal.

And for the wider economy?

New Zealand is in a good place but there will be continued uncertainty and volatility globally.

Wynyard tends to ride out these economic trends with investment in security technology increasing regardless of other economic challenges.

But with Saudi's oil game, a fragile Italian economy, election year in the US and continued concern around China's growth I think capital markets in particular will not be without their challenges.

Personal or business highlight from 2015?

Wynyard has made major steps forward in our growth plan executing our largest contracts since IPO, expanding into the high consequence cyber crime market and growing to more than 300 talented staff. We believe we can make our world a safer place and we continue to see strong support for this mission. We finish 2015 proud of what we have achieved and excited about what 2016 holds.