Gentrack, eyeing listing, appoints new board members

James Docking, CEO of Gentrack, which provides computer software for industries such as airports and utility companies. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NZX listing candidate and software company Gentrack said it had appointed Graham Shaw and Andy Coupe as independent directors.

Gentrack, which provides software solutions for airports, energy utilities and water companies, is understood to be considering a full listing on the NZX some time over the next few months, according to market sources.

One source said the inclusion of "heavy hitters'' on the board was an indication that the company was keen on proceeding with an initial public offer and share market float.

Coupe has extensive commercial and capital markets experience and is a former investment banking consultant at UBS New Zealand.

He is deputy chairman of the New Zealand Takeovers Panel, chairman of Farmright, a director of NZX listed investment funds Kingfish, Barramundi and Marlin Global, and a director of state owned coal miner Solid Energy.

Coupe is also a member of the Institute of Directors and the Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand.

Shaw is a chartered accountant working in an advisory role with boards and senior management to assist them to enhance their performance. He is a director of the listed software developer Xero.

He is a former chief executive of Works Infrastructure and led its expansion into Australia. He has also been chief executive of Kensington Swan, one of New Zealand's national law firms, and was a business adviser with accountants KPMG.

Shaw remains a representative of Downer New Zealand and is chairman of the Chartered Professional Engineers Council.

Gentrack's board now comprises chairman John Clifford, executive director James Docking, and independent non-executive directors Leigh Warren, Coupe and Shaw.

Auckland-based Gentrack develops specialist software for energy utilities, water companies and airports around the world. It employs 180 people in offices in Auckland, Melbourne and London and serves more than 150 utility and airport sites in 20 countries.