James Bergin, ASB Bank – WINNER
Judges notes: “James is a very articulate, clear thinker with a broad range of skills. He’s an impressive young leader who transcends a wide skillset and is an excellent communicator. He is people and customer oriented, has the potential to grow and is a professional community contributor.”
James Bergin has always shown strong leadership qualities throughout his career and has been named the IMNZ & Eagle Technology Young Executive of the Year for 2016.
The award, sponsored by the Institute of Management New Zealand (IMNZ) and Eagle Technology since 2005, celebrates executives up to the age of 38 who have had a role in influencing, growing and providing direction within an organisation.
It recognises rising stars, talented professionals and transformational leaders.
Bergin, who has worked for ASB Bank since January 2005 in a number of roles, is currently the Chief Architect of Architecture, Strategy and Innovation. He has been described by colleagues as “a gentleman and a scholar”, and by ASB chief executive Barbara Chapman as an outstanding young leader.
“James is one of those exciting leaders who combines deep industry and technical expertise with the ability to inspire and motivate people through clear and compelling communication,” Chapman said. “During his time as ASB’s Chief Architect he has played a key role in nurturing a culture of innovation right across the bank,” she said.
“He has a clear vision for the future of our business and industry along with an unwavering focus on leveraging technology to ensure we are providing unbeatable experiences for our customers.”
Judges Gary Langford from Eagle Technology, Glenys Talivai from Tower Insurance, Liam Dann from the Business Herald and Steven Naude from IMNZ said Bergin was a very articulate, clear thinker with a broad range of skills.
“He’s an impressive young leader who transcends a wide skillset and is an excellent communicator,” they said. “He is people and customer oriented, has the potential to grow and is a professional community contributor.”
The judges were impressed with the Clever Kash money box programme which Bergin helped drive, and said his career progression was remarkable.
As well as his work with the bank, Bergin is involved with the Catholic church — he is a director of Icon Media which helps with communications for the church, and Mustard Seed Consultants providing IT services for the church.
Bergin said the most important quality of being a good leader was the ability to encourage and drive different thinking among his team, and push a strong vision and purpose for the business and its customers.
Are you making a strong contribution to your organisation and the people around you? We want you! Apply for the Young Executive of the Year 2017.
