Duo tackle social issues mission

Technology entrepreneur Derek Handley has appointed two "right hands" to help steer a new foundation. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Technology entrepreneur Derek Handley has appointed a duo to be his "right hand" in New Zealand.

Handley launched an unconventional recruitment campaign called #TheShoulderTap in an effort to get New Zealand's best and brightest to apply to work with him as a chief operator in this country.

Handley was on the hunt in April for someone to manage investments and launch ventures that help drive and fund a new foundation aimed at tackling social issues.

The campaign has wrapped up with Handley appointing two "right-hands" - 25-year-old Rebecca Milne and 36-year-old Nick Winstone.

"After a lot of thinking and a little bit of imagination, I've decided to appoint a duo to the role. Rebecca and Nick bring a very complementary mix of skills, experiences and views on the world and I am really excited to be working with them as equal partners," Handley said.

The pair will be tasked with leading initiatives that combine entrepreneurship with solving social issues.

Milne, who is finishing up as a management consultant at financial services firm EY, said she was attracted to the idea of bringing "profit drivers and social drivers together".

"I kind of saw that as a huge opportunity or potential for New Zealand and something I thought I really want to be a part of."

Milne said she was interested in helping improve youth voter engagement and also focused on "understanding the limitations for children in New Zealand".

Winstone, a qualified lawyer who has worked in investment banking, said he was drawn by the opportunity to create "some longer-term value".

"This 'people, planet and profit' sort of mantra is not new but I think it's one whose time has come," he said.