Board of Directors
OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED LEADERS
Mike Arthur
WINSTONE WALLBOARDS
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Mike Arthur, GM, Winstone Wallboards Ltd. Mike is a strong advocate for the building products industry and gives back through roles as Exec Board member of the Building Industry Federation, the Gypsum Board Manufacturers of Australasia (GBMA) and Co-chair of the Equality Network (a group promoting the growth and development of women in construction).
Mike has worked across industrial, manufacturing, energy and FMCG sectors. He is results driven, team focused and thrives on engaging with the people and customers across the building and construction industry.
Karin Cunningham (Chair)
PLUMBING WORLD
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Karin holds a dual role for NZPM as General Manager, Metrix Imports and Head of Commercial, Plumbing World. Karin has over 25 years’ experience in the Building Industry and has held numerous significant roles with strong strategic leadership and oversight and has served on the BIF Board since 2023.
Jason Bardell
IBS
Jerry Friar
JAMES HARDIE
Jeremy Smith
NZ STEEL
David Deavoll (Deputy Chair)
Ed Scorgie
CHAPMAN TRIPP
Simon Burden (Deputy Chair)
CEO BUILDLINK
John Gardiner
BUILDING CONFIDENCE
Julien Leys (Chief Executive)
PENDULUM STRATEGIES
Sara Johnson
CEO ITM
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David is an experienced chief executive, business owner, director and governance leader with more than 30 years' experience across the building products, construction, manufacturing, agribusiness and infrastructure sectors. He has served on the Board since 2022. He was Chief Executive of both Euro Corporation Group and FMI Building Innovation, and was previously a PlaceMakers Joint Venture Owner and Director within the Fletcher Building group.
David brings extensive experience in strategy, business transformation, organisational performance and stakeholder engagement. He is recognised for building high-performing teams, strengthening organisational culture and customer relationships, and delivering sustainable growth in complex operating environments. Having worked extensively with boards, shareholders, investors, government agencies and industry organisations, he brings a practical perspective on governance, industry leadership and long-term value creation. His career has spanned executive leadership, business ownership and governance across the building products, manufacturing and agribusiness sectors.
David is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program and holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Canterbury. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand.
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Jeremy is the Head of Product Applications & Development at New Zealand Steel. After more than 20 years’ experience in the steel industry across both Australia and New Zealand, he brings a strong technical background and passion for the local manufacture and fabrication of building and construction products.
Jeremy is also Deputy Chair of the Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) helping the heavy construction industry look forward and prepare for the future.
Jeremy is enthusiastic about creative solutions, innovation and fostering a growth mindset.
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With nearly 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Jerry brings a supplier and manufacturer lens, coupled with a strong technical understanding, and a background in sales and marketing.
A representative from James Hardie has held a BIF board position since the federations inception and over that time they have valued the opportunity to contribute to the sectors voice and to support good regulatory outcomes. Jerry joined the BIF board in 2022 having previously held a board position with AWCI.
He is driven by results, team-oriented, and enjoys engaging with people and customers from all facets of the sector.
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Jason Bardell is the Managing Director of Independent Building Supplies (IBS), a role he has held since the company's inception in 1993. Under his leadership, IBS has become a trusted name in the building industry, known for sourcing high-quality products from around the world. Jason ensures that all products are rigorously tested and certified, emphasising sustainability and renewable resources to uphold the company's commitment to being a good global citizen.
In addition to his work with IBS, Jason has been an active member of the board of the Building Industry Federation (BIF) for the past five years. In this capacity, he strives to be a strong advocate for the building industry in New Zealand, working tirelessly to represent and support the interests of industry professionals.
Jason is always on the lookout for innovative ways to help Kiwis build better. His dedication to improving building practices and his passion for sustainability have been a great asset in his role with IBS.
Chris Kenny
COUNTRY MANAGER CSR
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Chris Kenny is the New Zealand Country Manager for CSR (Saint-Gobain), overseeing CSR Building Products and Potter Interior Systems. He is responsible for leading the integration of both businesses under a unified “One CSR” vision, and manages a national team across sales, specification, customer service, and operations.
With more than two decades of leadership experience in the building products sector, Chris has a strong track record in strategy, market development, and organisational leadership. He is passionate about building industry collaboration, raising compliance standards, and ensuring resilient supply chains.
Chris also serves as an Executive Board Member of the Insulation Association of New Zealand and the Clay Brick & Paver Manufacturers Association, as well as representing CSR in wider industry forums to support innovation and advocate for a more sustainable and competitive building environment.
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Sara is the Chief Executive Officer for ITM, which, with 96 stores and 25 frame and truss manufacturing operations, is the largest building supply merchant in the country.
Joining ITM’s executive team in 2022, Sara is a strategic leader with 30 years of experience in driving commercial outcomes to building brand equity, and enhancing customer lifetime value. During her time at ITM, she has been responsible for award-winning brand activity, leading shareholder returns, and growing the cooperative to the largest network of trade and manufacturing it has ever had.
Prior to joining ITM, Sara held senior roles in the finance, property development, energy, and telecommunications industries, leading significant development projects, merging brands and businesses, and preparing companies for IPOs. With a passion for New Zealand-based development and investment, Sara has focused on sustainable long-term strategies that create economic, environmental, and social stability.
Educated in Auckland (BA in Visual Communications) and later in Bristol, UK, with a Master of Business (Marketing), her interest in communications has been a foundation throughout her career.
With significant global and cross-industry experience, Sara has lived and worked in the UK, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Now living in Auckland, Sara is married with two children.
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Julien Leys has extensive experience working with clients across building and construction and infrastructure sectors.
Julien has advised building and construction clients on Government Affairs and on managing issues and crises with strategic communications.
Julien was a Ministerial Adviser in the Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger led Coalition Government (1994 / 1995) and later held senior roles in key Communications Agencies including his own award-winning agency which was established in 2005.
Julien has led BIF NZ as Chief Executive since 2019.
Welcome to the BIF NZ Building Leaders Forum series, where Julien Leys, BIF NZ Chief Executive, chats with key leaders in their field from throughout the building and construction industry.