Connection backs executives

An international organisation promoting the professional and personal development of CEOs now has a presence in New Zealand.

The Executive Connection (TEC) says it provides a multi-dimensional approach to learning and development which is not based solely on coaching or mentoring.

"It provides the latest management-thinking and the techniques from around the world," says Mike O'Neill, chief executive officer of TEC, New Zealand and Australia.

"The demand for professional development in New Zealand is growing. Our research tells us that to compete in a global market, local chief executives have to compete on value and quality, not volume," he says.

"The business experience and local market knowledge of our inaugural chairmen (John Henderson and John Jenner) ensures that New Zealand chief executives will gain immediate benefits for both their business and personal lives through The Executive Connection." Both Henderson and Jenner have been involved with TEC groups in Australia.

Henderson's business experience includes 28 years with Sheraton Hotel Corporation which he led as chief executive for four years. He is based in Auckland and is an independent director for CDL Hotels and chairman of the Hospitality & Business Industry Advisory Boards at NZ Management Academies.

Jenner, based in Wellington, has experience in international trade and has worked as chief executive officer of the Industries Development Commission and deputy chief executive officer of the NZ Trade Development Board. He was also the executive director of the Australia New Zealand Business Council. He now co-chairs Trade Navigators, a cluster of Wellington-based trade consultants.

TEC was founded in the US in 1957 with a global membership of more than 9000 chief executives in 15 countries. It began in Australia in 1986. Members are placed in groups of up to 16 non-competing peers to learn from each other's business experiences. Each group is led in a monthly session by a TEC chair.