Senior Leadership

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.

Group Financial Controller

Rebecca is a Chartered Management Accountant with a wide range of industry experience in manufacturing and export, heavy equipment machinery, and finance. 

As Group Finance Manager, Rebecca is passionate about business improvement and is always looking for opportunities to help get things moving. She is currently working on the company-wide systems transformation project and is excited about the future of Leighs Construction.

National Commercial Manager

Lee is a senior construction executive with nearly 35 years of experience, including over 20 years in leadership roles. Before moving to New Zealand in 2008, he was a regional commercial leader in London, helping to establish and grow multiple business units. 

In New Zealand, Lee was part of an executive team that led a business through significant growth, expanding from $80M to over $200M. Lee brings extensive expertise in commercial strategy, business growth, and operational leadership to Leighs Construction.

Head of Design

Mark is an experienced Design Manager with a background in delivering large, complex public and institutional projects across New Zealand and the UK. With expertise in design and build environments, he has a strong track record of leading coordinated, high-performing teams through early engagement, detailed planning, and rigorous stakeholder management. 

Known for his clear communication style and practical approach, Mark works closely with clients, consultants, and contractors to manage risk, protect programme outcomes, and support smooth project delivery. He is passionate about good design, early collaboration, and ensuring the built environment meets the needs of those who use it.

Head of People & Culture

Jess has over eight years of experience in senior People & Culture and employment relations roles across the construction and healthcare sectors. She joined Leighs Construction in 2022, progressing from Senior Human Resources Advisor to Human Resources Manager before being appointed Head of People & Culture in 2026, where she now leads the function as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Group CEO. 

Before joining Leighs, Jess held senior HR and employee relations roles at Canterbury District Health Board, managing complex employment relations matters, including serious misconduct investigations, disciplinary processes, and Employment Relations Authority proceedings across a large, unionised, multi-disciplinary workforce. She also supported significant organisational change and workforce transition through periods of structural reform.

Jess is committed to building leadership capability across the business and believes that successful, high-performing organisations are those that put people firmly at the heart of everything they do.

Construction Manager South Island

Simon is an experienced construction professional with a strong background in delivering complex commercial and institutional projects across the South Island. Over his time at Leighs, he has led multi-year builds with a focus on quality, collaboration, and developing the people around him. 

As Construction Manager, Simon provides day-to-day support and mentoring for Project Managers and brings practical construction leadership to Leighs’ project teams. Known for his approachable style and hands-on experience, he is passionate about building capability, strengthening project delivery, and supporting teams to achieve great results.

National Technology Manager

Neil has over 20 years of IT construction experience managing large digital transformation projects in New Zealand and the UK. His experience in project delivery, change management, process improvement, and technology, enables him to provide the best outcomes in planning and executing change and optimisation at Leighs. 

Neil  is responsible for ensuring the company's network infrastructure and associated systems are running smoothly, performing within agreed specifications, and providing a secure platform for the company's business operations.

New Business & Preconstruction Manager

National Construction Director

Project Director