Claire McGowan appointed new CEO of SODA Inc.
MEDIA RELEASE
30 July 2014
Dr.Claire McGowan has been appointed chief executive of Waikato-based businessincubator, SODA Inc.
Claire is anaccomplished director, with experience in the venture capital andinvestment banking industries. She also has experience in personally buildingand growing companies.
Claire has an MBA and PhD inMicrobiology from the University of Otago and also holds various director positions with science and investmentorganisations.
“I grew up in the Waikato and it’s great to be back and to be leading SODA, anorganisation that is instrumental in growing and strengtheningbusinesses throughout the Waikato.
“My passionis in assisting entrepreneurs and inventors to build successful companies andprovide them with opportunities in industry, network development, education andinvestment.”
Most recentlyClaire has been working with New Zealand Bootcamp, a private sector-led movementconnecting New Zealand’s most innovative primary sector and Maori agribusiness leaders.
Over the pastfew years Dr. McGowan has been enjoying taking a more active role in projectsthat contribute to the future creation of wealth for New Zealand.
Claire said she is excited to build onkey partnerships with people and organisations in the Waikato, New Zealand, andaround the world that are on a mission to grow NZ Inc.
SODAchair Graham Gaylard said Claire’sappointment is part of an exciting phase for SODA given the recent incubatorsupport funding from Callaghan Innovation.
“The Board is very pleased that we have managed to get such a highcalibre chief executive such as Claire,” he said. Clairewill begin her role with SODA in mid-August.
ENDS
30 July 2014
Dr.Claire McGowan has been appointed chief executive of Waikato-based businessincubator, SODA Inc.
Claire is anaccomplished director, with experience in the venture capital andinvestment banking industries. She also has experience in personally buildingand growing companies.
Claire has an MBA and PhD inMicrobiology from the University of Otago and also holds various director positions with science and investmentorganisations.
“I grew up in the Waikato and it’s great to be back and to be leading SODA, anorganisation that is instrumental in growing and strengtheningbusinesses throughout the Waikato.
“My passionis in assisting entrepreneurs and inventors to build successful companies andprovide them with opportunities in industry, network development, education andinvestment.”
Most recentlyClaire has been working with New Zealand Bootcamp, a private sector-led movementconnecting New Zealand’s most innovative primary sector and Maori agribusiness leaders.
Over the pastfew years Dr. McGowan has been enjoying taking a more active role in projectsthat contribute to the future creation of wealth for New Zealand.
Claire said she is excited to build onkey partnerships with people and organisations in the Waikato, New Zealand, andaround the world that are on a mission to grow NZ Inc.
SODAchair Graham Gaylard said Claire’sappointment is part of an exciting phase for SODA given the recent incubatorsupport funding from Callaghan Innovation.
“The Board is very pleased that we have managed to get such a highcalibre chief executive such as Claire,” he said. Clairewill begin her role with SODA in mid-August.
ENDS
