Scott Bartlett resigns as Kordia chief executive as cancer returns

Scott Bartlett in June 2019. Photo / Instagram

Kordia Group chief executive Scott Bartlett has stepped down to focus on his health, the state-owned enterprise said in a statement.

In August 2019, Bartlett was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours.

"After undergoing a period of remission, he returned in January 2020 to resume his role but unfortunately become ill again two months ago," Kordia said this morning.

Bartlett, who has been chronicling his illness via his Instagram account, was just five years out of university when the ISP he was working for, Orcon, was sold by founder Seeby Woodhouse to Kordia for $24.3 million in 2007.

View this post on Instagram

Brain surgery V2 done

A post shared by Scott Bartlett (@scottbartlettnz) on Aug 23, 2019 at 8:52pm PDT

While Woodhouse (now running Voyager) exited stage-left with the deal, Bartlett stayed on - at first running Orcon as a division within Kordia, then rising through the ranks to run Kordia Group as a whole.

Kordia chairman John Quirk says Bartlett led Kordia to new heights during his tenure with the company.

"When Scott was first appointed CEO of Kordia Group in 2016, we were largely known as a broadcasting and networks company. His leadership has seen Kordia evolve into the digital era, becoming a leading provider in business technology. He was instrumental in developing our cybersecurity capabilities with the acquisition of Aura Information Security and advancing our focus on cloud connectivity and transformation.

"The work Scott has done with Kordia speaks for itself. He is one of the most talented business people in New Zealand. Kordia is truly a better place to work because of Scott. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues at Kordia, and we will continue to support him through his journey."

Kordia's financial position remains strong and there is a very talented team in place, Quirk said.

Kordia Group CFO Shaun Rendell will continue his role as acting croup CEO until a permanent replacement for Scott is appointed.

The board will commence a search for a chief executive immediately, Quirk says.