Executive Team

Chief Executive Officer

André has over 25 years of experience leading high-profile building and infrastructure projects and businesses in the Asia Pacific region. He joined Leighs from KiwiRail where he was Chief Infrastructure Officer. Before that he spent six years as the Chief Infrastructure Officer at Auckland International Airport leading the transformation of New Zealand’s largest international airport and connection to the world. 

Before relocating to Auckland in 2018, André was the Chief Executive of the Arts Centre of Christchurch where he led the post-earthquake restoration and repositioning of the largest collection of heritage buildings in New Zealand. Prior to his client-side roles, André was a Principal and Director of global design house, Arup, including ten years resident in Singapore where he led the recovery of the business and delivery of several very significant projects. 

André is committed to creating safe and healthy work environments, value for clients and communities and believes that the quality of the built environment improves the lives of everyone.

Group Chief Financial Officer

David is the Group Chief Financial Officer at Leighs, with expertise in construction, finance, manufacturing, telecommunications and retail sectors, having worked in the UK, USA, Asia and New Zealand. 

With his background in developing businesses, David’s experience has contributed to Leighs’ considered growth and sustainability as the company has expanded and taken on new projects throughout New Zealand.

Regional Manager - South Island

Mike has worked in the construction industry in Christchurch for the past 30 years and with Leighs for over 15. As Regional Manager Mike oversees all operations and tenders for the South Island.

General Manager People and Culture

Sue is an accomplished HR professional with over 15 years of experience in senior or executive management roles within medium and large organisations. 

Sue has a proven track record overseeing all HR functions, including employee relations, workforce planning, recruitment, remuneration, change management, culture transformation, learning and development, HR technology and system implementation. Her expertise helps drive the success of organisations and fosters a thriving workplace culture.

General Manager Health, Safety, Environment, Sustainability, and Quality

Paul has extensive experience of over 10 years in Health, Safety, and compliance, completing and overseeing high-risk tasks in equally high-risk environments. Beginning in the electrical industry, his formative years provided a strong foundation for an appreciation – and now advocacy – of Health & Safety in a commercial environment. 

Paul leads a skilled team of HSESQ professionals. His role recognises the importance of HSESQ at the executive level and highlights the value of their work in keeping our people safe, projects high quality, and operations environmentally responsible so we can all be Work Safe, Home Safe.

Executive Assistant to the CEO & Board

Kayla is a highly experienced EA with over ten years in the construction industry. She possesses a keen interest in the strategy and processes behind running a successful construction company and has expertise in executive and board support. By anticipating the needs of executive teams, she demonstrates fierce loyalty and places great emphasis on confidentiality. 

Kayla is passionate about enhancing our business by supporting leaders and their vision.