Three in contention for executive award

Wellington Zoo visitor experience manager Oli du Bern is a finalist.

The three finalists for this year's Deloitte Top 200 young executive of the year award have been named, with Wellington Zoo visitor experience manager Oli du Bern, New Zealand Post northern operations manager Mike Lewis and K9 Natural operations manager Mike Wilson contending for the award.

The award, which has been sponsored by NZIM and Eagle Technology since 2005, celebrates executives up to the age of 35 who have had a role in influencing, growing and providing direction within an organisation. Eagle Technology chief executive Gary Langford said it was great to be sponsoring an award highlighting the success of young executives.

"In these last 10 years, we've enjoyed meeting a parade of outstanding young business people who excel in their professional careers," Langford said.

"By the time the winner is announced each year, we have met all of the finalists and formed relationships with all three, often meeting again through our business dealings." Du Bern, Lewis and Wilson were selected from an initial pool of nominees, before winning the award in their regions. The three will now go on to compete as finalists for the overall award with du Bern representing the central area, Lewis representing the North and Wilson the South.

Du Bern has been working at Wellington Zoo since 2005, after he completed a bachelor's degree in tourism management at Victoria University. Since then, he has had a major influence in developing the zoo's visitor experience sector, as well as supporting a number of conservation and management committees.

Southern finalist Wilson also works with animals as operations manager at Canterbury-based K9 Natural Foods Limited. According to the judges, Wilson was selected as the Southern area finalist because of his product development skills and innovative business practices. K9 Natural produces dog food and since launching in 2006, has expanded rapidly with exports to 19 countries.

Lewis works as the northern operations manager for New Zealand Post, where he has worked since 2003 in various roles. Lewis has held his current position since August last year, a role that he has excelled in.

Langford said the company's sponsorship of the award fitted perfectly with the company's ethos.

"Eagle Technology has a long history of encouraging young talent and supporting education programmes including AUT's computer science graduate awards, MIT's career's guidance and its own intern programme," Langford said.

"For Eagle Technology, the association with NZIM and the Top 200 Awards is a natural fit, and very valuable to us." The winner of the young executive of the year award will be announced at the Deloitte Top 200 awards evening on November 27.

The New Zealand Herald is a Deloitte media partner for the awards.

Deloitte Top 200

Young Executive of the Year award:

• Oli du Bern from Wellington Zoo, Mike Lewis from NZ Post and Mike Wilson from K9 Natural are the three finalists.

• Award celebrates executives up to the age of 35 who have had a role in influencing, growing and providing direction within an organisation.

• It will be presented at the Deloitte Top 200 awards evening on November 27.