Meet the Leadership Team at Lyttelton Port Company.
Graeme Sumner Chief Executive Officer
Graeme became Lyttelton Port Company’s Chief Executive Officer in September 2023.
Graeme’s executive experience includes CEO of Airways New Zealand, the SOE responsible for the management and control of New Zealand’s airspace, as well as having an extensive international business providing products and services to 33 countries worldwide.
Before joining Airways New Zealand in 2017, Graeme held various leadership roles in New Zealand and Australia, including Managing Director of Service Stream, Managing Director of Transfield Services New Zealand and Managing Director of Siemens New Zealand. Earlier, Graeme held General Manager level roles with New Zealand Post, Contact Energy and Telecom.
Graeme holds a Bachelor Commerce from Auckland University, a Masters of Business Administration from Massey University and is a graduate of the INSEAD International Directors Program.
Graeme’s executive experience includes CEO of Airways New Zealand, the SOE responsible for the management and control of New Zealand’s airspace, as well as having an extensive international business providing products and services to 33 countries worldwide.
Before joining Airways New Zealand in 2017, Graeme held various leadership roles in New Zealand and Australia, including Managing Director of Service Stream, Managing Director of Transfield Services New Zealand and Managing Director of Siemens New Zealand. Earlier, Graeme held General Manager level roles with New Zealand Post, Contact Energy and Telecom.
Graeme holds a Bachelor Commerce from Auckland University, a Masters of Business Administration from Massey University and is a graduate of the INSEAD International Directors Program.
Sarah Alderson Chief Legal Risk Officer
Sarah joined LPC in August 2024 as Chief Legal Risk Officer, with primary responsibility for legal risk management, commercial contracting and LPC’s statutory compliance programme. She is also LPC’s Privacy Officer and Company Secretary.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience to her role, having previously worked as In House Counsel across Australia and New Zealand in organisations such as QBE Insurance, SAS Australia + New Zealand and Airways Corporation.
Passionate about her hometown, Christchurch, Sarah prides herself on providing strategic and pragmatic advice as a driven business partner assisting the Port to realise its strategic goals for the continued growth and vitality of the South Island.
Sarah holds an LLB and BA from Canterbury University, is an Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute New Zealand (CGINZ) and holds governance roles on the Education and Professional Standards Board of CGINZ, is Secretary of the Canterbury Branch of CGINZ and Board Member at Tai Tapu Primary School.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience to her role, having previously worked as In House Counsel across Australia and New Zealand in organisations such as QBE Insurance, SAS Australia + New Zealand and Airways Corporation.
Passionate about her hometown, Christchurch, Sarah prides herself on providing strategic and pragmatic advice as a driven business partner assisting the Port to realise its strategic goals for the continued growth and vitality of the South Island.
Sarah holds an LLB and BA from Canterbury University, is an Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute New Zealand (CGINZ) and holds governance roles on the Education and Professional Standards Board of CGINZ, is Secretary of the Canterbury Branch of CGINZ and Board Member at Tai Tapu Primary School.
Amrita Balaraman Chief Operating Officer, Container Port
Amrita joined LPC in September 2024 as Chief Operating Officer, Container Port.
Amrita was previously Vice-President and Head of Operations at Tomra New Zealand, part of the global Tomra group headquartered in Norway.
Prior to joining Tomra, Amrita was Amrita was Operations Manager at Sealords, where she headed onshore operations. She was also responsible for a workforce that grew seasonally to over 550 staff.
Amrita was previously Vice-President and Head of Operations at Tomra New Zealand, part of the global Tomra group headquartered in Norway.
Prior to joining Tomra, Amrita was Amrita was Operations Manager at Sealords, where she headed onshore operations. She was also responsible for a workforce that grew seasonally to over 550 staff.
Steven Barclay Chief Health and Safety Officer
Steven joined LPC in April 2016 as a Senior Health and Safety Advisor, having previously held a similar position at Port Otago Limited.
Steven has held a variety of roles at LPC including Senior Risk and Assurance Manager, HOD Health and Safety before recently being appointed as Chief Health and Safety Officer in June 2023.
Steven is responsible for leading Health and Safety and supporting the planning, development and execution and system implementation all of which contribute to operational risk reduction.
Steven brings Health, Safety and risk experience in New Zealand mining operations, large government entities, and the Port industry. Steven has served in the New Zealand Police and New Zealand Defence Force.
Steven is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Management Governance Committee and New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Steven has held a variety of roles at LPC including Senior Risk and Assurance Manager, HOD Health and Safety before recently being appointed as Chief Health and Safety Officer in June 2023.
Steven is responsible for leading Health and Safety and supporting the planning, development and execution and system implementation all of which contribute to operational risk reduction.
Steven brings Health, Safety and risk experience in New Zealand mining operations, large government entities, and the Port industry. Steven has served in the New Zealand Police and New Zealand Defence Force.
Steven is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Management Governance Committee and New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Jackie Dawson Chief Information Officer
Jackie brings a wealth of experience and expertise in technology and leadership, having worked across various domains in New Zealand, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.
Jackie has held senior roles in companies like Datacom, Orion Health, and MWH, leading large teams and transformations in health, local government, infrastructure, property, and more.
Jackie is passionate about delivering solutions that enable LPC to achieve its strategic goals and vision.
Jackie is responsible for overseeing our cyber security, IT & OT systems, infrastructure, and digital strategy.
Jackie holds BCom in International Finance and PGDip Information Science.
Jackie has held senior roles in companies like Datacom, Orion Health, and MWH, leading large teams and transformations in health, local government, infrastructure, property, and more.
Jackie is passionate about delivering solutions that enable LPC to achieve its strategic goals and vision.
Jackie is responsible for overseeing our cyber security, IT & OT systems, infrastructure, and digital strategy.
Jackie holds BCom in International Finance and PGDip Information Science.
Phil de Joux Chief Bulk Cargo, Engagement and Sustainability Officer
Phil joined LPC in November 2018. Phil manages Bulk Cargo, Stakeholder Engagement, Communications, and Environment and Planning, Sustainability.
He has worked in central government and in the private sector, in both corporate affairs and commercial roles. Phil worked previously as the General Manager for the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and for Air New Zealand as Head of Government and Industry Affairs, and managed long-haul market expansion in their Networks team. He also worked in Parliament in various roles, including as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Phil has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science from the University of Canterbury.
He has worked in central government and in the private sector, in both corporate affairs and commercial roles. Phil worked previously as the General Manager for the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and for Air New Zealand as Head of Government and Industry Affairs, and managed long-haul market expansion in their Networks team. He also worked in Parliament in various roles, including as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Phil has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science from the University of Canterbury.
Nigel Foster Chief People and Capability Officer
Nigel joined LPC in April 2024 as the Chief People and Capability Officer, having previously held the position of Deputy Chief Executive, People and Capability, at New Zealand Customs.
Nigel began his HR career with LloydsTSB gaining experience across all HR disciplines in associated banking, wealth management and general insurance companies within the wider group. He strengthened his skillset further in management consulting with Cap Gemini in their Edinburgh office and was instrumental in developing the HR practice and the client base. Nigel led major transformation projects for British Airways, British Petroleum, various retail banks and government agencies including Inland Revenue and Work & Pensions.
Nigel then spent five years as General Manager HR for the Commercial Bank of Dubai (United Arab Emirates), once again leading a major people transformation project.
Nigel moved to New Zealand with his new family joining AMP NZ in a senior role and then his last six years with New Zealand Customs.
Nigel is a member of the NZ Institute of Directors.
Nigel began his HR career with LloydsTSB gaining experience across all HR disciplines in associated banking, wealth management and general insurance companies within the wider group. He strengthened his skillset further in management consulting with Cap Gemini in their Edinburgh office and was instrumental in developing the HR practice and the client base. Nigel led major transformation projects for British Airways, British Petroleum, various retail banks and government agencies including Inland Revenue and Work & Pensions.
Nigel then spent five years as General Manager HR for the Commercial Bank of Dubai (United Arab Emirates), once again leading a major people transformation project.
Nigel moved to New Zealand with his new family joining AMP NZ in a senior role and then his last six years with New Zealand Customs.
Nigel is a member of the NZ Institute of Directors.
Vincent Mortimer Chief Financial Officer
Vincent joined LPC in January 2023 as the Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for all financial, risk, and insurance matters.
Vincent has a history working in some of Canterbury and New Zealand’s iconic brands with a focus in recent times in the heavy equipment and manufacturing industries with the Gough Group and HamiltonJet. He has previously worked for large international accounting firms, on private equity investment projects, and in large national and international corporates.
He brings CFO and CIO experience in global corporate finance and tax planning, business investment and divestment projects, strategic planning development and execution, ERP implementation delivery, cyber security risks, and data intelligence projects.
Vincent has been a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for more than 25 years and is a Member of the Institute of Directors.
Vincent has a history working in some of Canterbury and New Zealand’s iconic brands with a focus in recent times in the heavy equipment and manufacturing industries with the Gough Group and HamiltonJet. He has previously worked for large international accounting firms, on private equity investment projects, and in large national and international corporates.
He brings CFO and CIO experience in global corporate finance and tax planning, business investment and divestment projects, strategic planning development and execution, ERP implementation delivery, cyber security risks, and data intelligence projects.
Vincent has been a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for more than 25 years and is a Member of the Institute of Directors.
Simon Munt Chief Customer and Supply Chain Officer
Simon joined LPC in October 2008, in the role of Customer Relationship Manager for the containerised side of the business, and in December 2011 accepted the role of Marketing Manager.
Now, as the Chief Customer and Supply Chain Officer, Simon manages our commercial and customer relationships across our entire customer base including containers, coal, general cargo, cruise, marinas, and property. Simon also has responsibility for our Inland Ports and initiatives in the wider supply chain.
Simon comes from a strong shipping background, having spent time in both operational, and sales and marketing roles within the shipping line business. This included sales and marketing roles for Maersk Line in both New Zealand and Australia and, prior to this, operational roles with P&O Nedlloyd, again on both sides of the Tasman. He has also spent time with Scenic Circle Hotels in a national sales role.
Simon has a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resource Management, from Canterbury University.
Now, as the Chief Customer and Supply Chain Officer, Simon manages our commercial and customer relationships across our entire customer base including containers, coal, general cargo, cruise, marinas, and property. Simon also has responsibility for our Inland Ports and initiatives in the wider supply chain.
Simon comes from a strong shipping background, having spent time in both operational, and sales and marketing roles within the shipping line business. This included sales and marketing roles for Maersk Line in both New Zealand and Australia and, prior to this, operational roles with P&O Nedlloyd, again on both sides of the Tasman. He has also spent time with Scenic Circle Hotels in a national sales role.
Simon has a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resource Management, from Canterbury University.
Mike Simmers Chief Marine and Infrastructure Officer
Mike joined LPC in December 2013 in the role of Project Director as part of the Project Management Office, before becoming Infrastructure Manager in 2019.
In 2022, Mike was appointed Chief Infrastructure Officer and is responsible for engineering, electrical, mechanical, and civil maintenance, security, projects, planning and asset management, and port services.
Mike comes from a background in delivering large complex projects overseas and back home in New Zealand having returned in 2003 with his family. Mike has worked as a manager in the telecommunications, energy and construction sectors – with projects including laying submarine fibre cables through Asia and tender manager for one of NZ’s largest irrigation projects.
Mike has a Bachelor of Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Science.
In 2022, Mike was appointed Chief Infrastructure Officer and is responsible for engineering, electrical, mechanical, and civil maintenance, security, projects, planning and asset management, and port services.
Mike comes from a background in delivering large complex projects overseas and back home in New Zealand having returned in 2003 with his family. Mike has worked as a manager in the telecommunications, energy and construction sectors – with projects including laying submarine fibre cables through Asia and tender manager for one of NZ’s largest irrigation projects.
Mike has a Bachelor of Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Science.