Deb Turton
Hobsonville,Auckland
Summary
Professional Summary
Warm, highly organised Executive Assistant and Office Manager with over 20 years of experience keeping busy workplaces calm, functional, and running at a level of smoothness people often think “just happens.” I thrive in fast-paced, high-performance environments and naturally take ownership of the details that elevate a workplace — from people experience to facilities, onboarding, events, and executive support.
Known for being unflappable, solutions-focused, quietly humorous, and able to bring structure to even the most wonderfully chaotic leaders. I genuinely enjoy creating an environment where people feel supported, equipped, and able to do their best work. And as someone who loves being on and near the water, I’m especially energised by opportunities connected to marine, sustainability, and innovation.
Transferable Strengths and Professional Philosophy
My two decades of experience as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager, complemented by a commitment to continuous personal development, provides a robust foundation of resilience, adaptability, and empathy. This foundation, developed through diverse experiences including small business ownership and community leadership, allows me to consistently deliver highly effective solutions. I specialise in managing complex demands, mentoring developing talent, and transforming operational challenges into strategic opportunities for process improvement and organisational growth. I am driven by a passion for excellence in every professional context.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant
The Warehouse Group
Northcote, Auckland
11.2022 - Current
- Provide high-level, strategic support to the Chief Digital and Transformation Officer (CDTO) and the Technology Leadership Team, managing complex diaries and executive priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Bring structure and calm to fast-moving leadership styles, creating clarity without friction and ensuring schedules, travel, and priorities stay controlled.
- Coordinate high-profile meetings, events, and cross-team sessions, handling everything from logistics and catering to presentation prep.
- Serve as the connective tissue between executives, teams, and external partners, keeping communication smooth, clear, and constructive.
- Proactively identify gaps, fix problems before they escalate, and support people with a service mindset that genuinely cares.
Executive Assistant
Xero
Parnell, Auckland
12.2019 - 10.2022
- Delivered full executive support for the Chief Product Officer— calendar management, travel, meeting preparation, stakeholder liaison — for a senior leader in a dynamic tech environment.
- Managed a team of 3 Team Administrators performing daily admin support for the CPO's direct reports and wider teams.
- Managed confidential records, sensitive communications, and complex workflows with complete trust and reliability.
- Coordinated high-impact events and team-building activities, fostering a positive team culture.
- Streamlined processes and improved day-to-day operational efficiency across the team.
People Experience Manager
Kiwi Property
10.2016 - 11.2019
- End-to-End Employee Experience: Managed positive onboarding to offboarding, including L&D, D&I, and internal communications.
- Project Management: Managed office move change stream, transitioning to a 100% unassigned environment (logistics, procurement, orientation).
- Team Leadership: Led and developed a concierge team of two, supporting an office of 100 people and six remote locations.
- Provided generalist HR Support, recruitment assistance, internal communication and managed diaries for GM People and Communications.
Executive Assistant
Vodafone NZ
2008 - 2016
- Provided comprehensive executive support to the HR Director, managing complex calendars and coordinating HR-related logistics and meetings.
- Supported project work related to human resources initiatives and team administration.
Executive Assistant
Edge Creative
2006 - 2008
- Supported a fast-paced creative agency director, managing schedules, correspondence, travel, and ensuring smooth studio operations.
Education
Various
Qualifications
Skills
Core Skills
- Operational Expertise: Office & Facilities Management, Vendor, Inventory & PPE Management, Budgeting, Purchasing & Expense Tracking, Process Improvement & Workflow Optimisation
- Executive Support: Executive Calendar & Inbox Management, Travel & Logistics Coordination, Leadership Support & Cross-Team Coordination, Communication & Stakeholder Liaison
- Culture & People: Event Planning & Team Experiences, Onboarding, Training & Staff Support, Problem-Solving, Prioritisation, Project Management & Calm Under Pressure
- Tools: Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, Slack & Scheduling Tools
Affiliations
• People-First: Relationship-building that balances warmth, clarity, and professionalism; A people-first approach to culture, onboarding, wellbeing, and teamwork.
• Operational Mindset: Ability to create order where none exists (yet); A natural eye for tidy, functional, welcoming spaces.
• Resilience: A calm, grounded presence — even when everything is changing at once.
• Personal Passion: A genuine love of the water — boats, beaches, rivers, lakes.
• Operational Mindset: Ability to create order where none exists (yet); A natural eye for tidy, functional, welcoming spaces.
• Resilience: A calm, grounded presence — even when everything is changing at once.
• Personal Passion: A genuine love of the water — boats, beaches, rivers, lakes.
Timeline
Executive Assistant
The Warehouse Group
11.2022 - Current
Executive Assistant
Xero
12.2019 - 10.2022
People Experience Manager
Kiwi Property
10.2016 - 11.2019
Executive Assistant
Vodafone NZ
2008 - 2016
Executive Assistant
Edge Creative
2006 - 2008
Various
Qualifications