Xero and NZ Sock execs to speak at Icehouse luncheon

James Kyd, Xero's global head of brand strategy and marketing, is speaking at The Icehouse luncheon on December 5, at the Napier Conference Centre. Picture/supplied

Businesses from around the region are being given the chance to hear from two of the globe's leading technology leaders

As part of this year's fifth annual Icehouse event in Hawke's Bay, Xero global head of brand strategy and marketing James Kyd and NZ Sock co-founder and chief executive Euan Sparrow will present to attendees.

Earlier this year Xero established a Hawke's Bay office at the Tech Collective development in Ahuriri with 30 staff in place at present with more arrivals planned for 2018.

Icehouse operations manager Kate de Latour said Xero's move to the region was an excellent endorsement for Hawke's Bay and the advantages of living and working here.

"This year we have seen a significant increase in business owners moving to Hawke's Bay, setting up an office or launching new products here and it's great to see local people in their 20s picking up jobs with these owners and having the option to stay in the Bay."

Formerly of IBM, Mr Kyd has a long track record in the technology and professional services industries, as well as significant experience in global growth markets.

"We are delighted to be welcoming James to Hawke's Bay, he is passionate about New Zealand's ability to nurture technology businesses and he is highly skilled in terms of helping companies realise their strategic potential through leadership, building powerful brands, marketing and communications. There's no doubt Xero are on track to become one of the greatest tech companies on the planet."

NZ Sock Co CEO Euan Sparrow leads one of the world's foremost innovators of socks with the company selling sock technology as customers around the world seek socks fit for purpose.

The Ashburton-based company's research and development team were recently charged with coming up with a sock for several crews in the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race.

Unique technology is used to create a specially padded sole to cushion pressure areas while promoting blood flow and are worn by a wide range of athletes, climbers, soldiers in Afghanistan, diabetics and people with foot problems.

The Icehouse operates as an incubator and investor in start-up companies and small businesses. It is owned by a not-for-profit trust.

Tickets to the luncheon event on December 5 at the Napier Conference Centre are available online at www.theicehouse.co.nz or www.hbbusinesshub.co.nz or by contacting k.delautour@theicehouse.co.nz