Who got that job?

General manager, Gaulter Russell


Q: What were you doing before accepting your new position?

A: I was the GM of the Hardgoods Division for Arthur Ellis, one of Australia's leading outdoor adventure and apparel companies.

Q: Why did you apply for this job?

A: I was looking for an Auckland-based role and Gaulter Russell had recruited a number of staff for me. I knew their business was expanding and this presents its own set of unique challenges. Finally, I was looking for more work-life balance.

Q: What are the major challenges ahead of you?

A: Gaulter Russell is going through a major expansion phase. One of the key challenges is to provide clear direction and leadership to an expanding team.

Q: What does being general manager mean to you?

A: As a GM there are a number of key commercial accountabilities that include developing and implementing the business strategy, financial management, managing and developing the team and looking at new business opportunities. One of the most important requirements is to provide clear leadership. This means being decisive and having the ability to know when to act. Vacillation and procrastination de-motivate a team. Empathy is critical to developing a cohesive team .


Q: What special skills do you bring to the role?

A: After 12 years in the New Zealand Army, part of the time spent serving with the United Nations in Angola and former Yugoslavia, I have been involved in a variety of incidents that have been stressful. This kind of stress can never be replicated in a business environment and allows me to place a perspective on things that removes the potential stress element.

Q: What else might you have done?

A: I have a strong interest in aid development. Having worked in environments that have been devastated by war and seen the needs of these people, I would like to be able to give something back to the community.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I enjoy free diving, mountain biking, snowboarding, good books, good films, good friends and family.

POCKET CV

Name: Ken Webb

Age: 38

EXPERIENCE

1998-2004 account manager; national sales manager & general manager for Arthur Ellis

1996-1998 resort manager, Meribel, France and lodge manager Nepal for Ski Scott Dunne

1984-1996 New Zealand Army Officer