Henderson’s Sukesh Sukumaran has been appointed Business Development Manager West for the Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development,
an Auckland Council organisation. He says the challenge of working in the business community is an exciting one that he looks forward to.
“In the end, our work will be measured and we will be judged a success when businesses in the west succeed. I am hoping to contribute to that success through this role and I want to establish ATEED-West as “first point of call” for local businesses.”
Sukesh, 44, has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Geophysics, Hons) and a Master of Business Administration. Originally employed as an oil and gas geophysicist in his homeland of Malaysia, Sukesh has worked in 12 countries across four continents, in various international business development, sales and marketing roles in a wide range of organisations and companies.
In New Zealand, Sukesh has worked in large businesses including Crown Minerals, Telecom NZ and KPMG Consulting. Sukesh has also had leadership and management roles in smaller innovation-driven companies such as The Web Company, winner of Waitakere “Best Mid-Sized Business Award” in 2009, and understands the challenges and opportunities that face local businesses.
He has also been working in a mentor role over the past five years, providing online/web/social media insight and expertise to help grow businesses in the west.
“I want to make sure businesses in the west turn to us first for support and advice, partnering in development of export opportunities and growth, and for business networking and events. I think “westies” are pretty natural networkers, but we can be the channel that helps make that happen,” he says.
“I look forward to our next Business After 5 networking event at Babich Wines on Thursday, 5th May 2011, to meet and greet local businesses.”
The recently announced region-wide business mentoring programme that sees ATEED providing mentoring services for and through Business Mentors New Zealand will be a “huge” help in giving west-based businesses a helping hand.
Sukesh says his style is to be “out there in the business community, helping to add value to west-based businesses.”
“I’m passionate about adding value not only to businesses, but to their customers as well. We have been residents of Henderson since 2000 and we love the west. To be able to help the west grow and thrive is a dream job for me,” he says.
Clyde Rogers, General Manager Business and Sector Development for ATEED, says Sukesh’s wide range of economic and business development skills will make him a valued addition to the regional business and sector development team.
“Our local offices are essential to our role in helping build business capability and enhancing the economy of the region. Sukesh’s skills and knowledge of the region make him a valuable asset in a role like this,” he says.
Sukesh Sukumaran can be contacted at the ATEED West office in Waitakere City on (09) 839 0892 or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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