Board of Directors

OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED LEADERS

Mike Arthur

WINSTONE WALLBOARDS

  • 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

  • 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

Jeremy Wilson

MD BUILDPEOPLE

Jerry Friar

JAMES HARDIE

Jeremy Smith

NZ STEEL

David Deavoll (Deputy Chair) 

EURO CORPORATION

Stephen Walker (Deputy Chair)

ASURNZ

  • Stephen Walker is the Principal Consultant at ASURNZ providing assurance management and various building consultancy and expert witness services for the insurance and construction sectors in New Zealand and Australia.

    With over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry, Stephen has developed expert technical knowledge of building and construction practices, with an emphasis on building product and system design, and building related legislation and regulatory controls.

    Stephen has been a Director of BIF NZ since 2014 and represents the organisation on various Standards Development Committees.

Ed Scorgie

CHAPMAN TRIPP

John Gardiner

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Julien Leys (Chief Executive)

PENDULUM STRATEGIES

Sara Johnson

CEO ITM

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.