Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Mark Davis

Westmere,New Zealand

Summary

A finance executive with broad experience across service companies in fast-changing industries, including listed companies, joint ventures, privately owned and private equity owned businesses. Experienced in all aspects of financial management including statutory and management reporting, planning and forecasting, treasury and banking, risk management, M&A activity, investor relations, process and systems change and implementation, taxation, property and procurement, NZX compliance, BI reporting development and company secretarial duties. Ability to effectively operate at a strategic level, but also at a hands on level, with a high level of competency in Excel, Powerpoint, Word and a range of reporting systems. Adds value through ability to take a strategic and holistic approach to business through a sound understanding of Finance, Marketing, Sales, IT, HR and Operations. Track record of building effective, high performing finance teams and transforming finance systems and processes. Among recent career highlights: CFO of PE owned Logistics business, PBT, navigating through challenging Covid period and recessionary conditions. Undertook multiple M&A activities, culminating in the successful sale and transition of the Courier business to NZ Post and the remaining business to Mainstream. At PBT managed the successful transition from a family owned business with legacy systems to a modern corporate with a complete suite of modern SaaS based systems across all functions. CFO of THL during a time of unprecedented growth from a market cap of $100M to $700M between 2014 to 2018. THL joined NZX50. Undertook M&A activity at THL including investments in aligned tourism businesses in the UK and USA, and a joint venture digital business with Thor Industries, the world’s largest RV manufacturer. THL was winner of the Deloitte Top 200 Most Improved Performance in 2014 and Best Growth Strategy in 2015. At the Radio Network performed Acting CEO role for 9 months whilst also maintaining CFO responsibilities. Reported to the board and led the executive team and company through a period of significant change.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

CFO

PBT Group
Auckland
01.2019 - 01.2025
  • Company Overview: PBT Group was originally known as Peter Baker Transport. It was a family-owned business until late 2017 when Waterman Capital acquired the business. PBT is a Logistics operator with a nationwide branch network. Services provided include express palletised transport, container cartage, air and ocean logistics and 3PL services. Until 2024 PBT also operated a national courier business.
  • Responsible for all finance functions, IT and Property.
  • Financial Processes – Replaced aged legacy systems with SaaS based products including OCR based Accounts Payable, Netsuite and a Workday budgeting and forecasting system. This transformed the finance function, reducing close time from around 15 to 6 days and reducing the finance team from x to x. Built comprehensive forecasting.
  • Operational Processes – Replaced legacy systems with new, modern systems, that resulted in PBT achieving a competitive advantage in the market due the strength of its customer facing systems. This included overseeing the completion of an in-house developed customer portal and Transport Management System, chatbot with AI capability and SalesForce.
  • M&A – Undertook multiple M&A activities, mainly as a seller. In 2024, successfully sold the Courier division to NZ Post. Designed and negotiated a transitional services agreement that facilitated a smooth and successful transition of customers from PBT to NZ Post. In 2025 successfully sold the remaining business to Mainstream.
  • Sustainability – Developed the sustainability framework and carbon calculator, including Restructuring and cost – Following the sale of the Courier business modelled and led the
  • PBT Group was originally known as Peter Baker Transport. It was a family-owned business until late 2017 when Waterman Capital acquired the business. PBT is a Logistics operator with a nationwide branch network. Services provided include express palletised transport, container cartage, air and ocean logistics and 3PL services. Until 2024 PBT also operated a national courier business.

CFO

Tourism Holdings Limited
Auckland
01.2014 - 01.2018
  • Company Overview: THL is the largest motorhome rental business globally, with operations in NZ, Australia, USA and the UK, and franchise operations in South Africa and Japan. It is an NZX50 listed business that from 2014 to 2018 has grown from a market cap of $100M to $700M. In addition to its motorhome rentals businesses, THL operates the Waitomo Caves attractions business, Kiwi Experience youth focused bus business, a joint venture motorhome and specialist vehicle manufacturing business and a digital start-up joint venture.
  • Responsible for financial statutory and management reporting, treasury and banking, taxation, risk management, investor relations, property and procurement and company secretarial functions.
  • Financial Processes - Developed financial processes including implementation of consolidation in ERP, implementation of statutory reporting and taxation packages and Business Intelligence tools. Implemented cloud-based ERP.
  • Financial Reporting - Introduced streamlined reporting and sustainability reporting. Changed year end reporting processes to release audited financials, shareholder review and sustainability reporting to the market simultaneously.
  • M&A - Supporting the CEO, undertook M&A activity including investment in a UK motorhome rentals business, investment in digital businesses (Geozone and Roadtrippers), purchase of the 2nd largest US motorhome rentals business (El Monte) and the formation of TH2, a joint venture digital business with Thor Industries, the world’s largest RV manufacturer.
  • Investor Relations – Lifted THL profile with the investment community in NZ and Australia. Developed relationships with institutions and analysts. In 2014 there was no analyst coverage of THL. By 2017 the three main brokers in NZ and one in Australia covered the stock. THL was winner of the Deloitte Top 200 Most Improved Performance in 2014 and Best Growth Strategy in 2015. Grant Webster (CEO) was awarded INFINZ leadership award in 2018.
  • Banking & Treasury – Managed treasury and banking relationships including multiple changes in facilities. Shifted from $150M bilateral club facilities in 2014 to syndicated $250M facilities with three banks in 2017.
  • Taxation – Managed tax compliance across NZ, Australia and USA jurisdictions, including tax audits.
  • THL is the largest motorhome rental business globally, with operations in NZ, Australia, USA and the UK, and franchise operations in South Africa and Japan. It is an NZX50 listed business that from 2014 to 2018 has grown from a market cap of $100M to $700M. In addition to its motorhome rentals businesses, THL operates the Waitomo Caves attractions business, Kiwi Experience youth focused bus business, a joint venture motorhome and specialist vehicle manufacturing business and a digital start-up joint venture.

CFO & Acting CEO

The Radio Network
Auckland
01.2005 - 01.2014
  • Company Overview: The Radio Network (TRN) is a leader in the radio market in NZ, with 7 networks across 25 markets and revenue and audience share of around 50%. The company was a joint venture between Clear Channel Communications (largest US radio company, and worldwide outdoor advertising company) and APN (Australasian listed Media company). TRN now forms part of NZME.
  • In addition to the responsibilities of CFO, performed Acting CEO role, reporting to the board and leading the executive team and company through a period of change.
  • Led significant programming content changes.
  • Accelerated Sales change programme, introducing a new remuneration structure for 150 staff.
  • Restructured and addressed non-performing management in a number of markets.
  • Addressed long-standing process and service issues in a support department.
  • CFO (May 2005-Dec 2011, Sept 2012- Feb 2014) - Financial leadership of the company, including financial, management and board reporting to a joint venture Board, capital management and taxation. From 2011 responsible for operational systems and processes, yield management, booking and billing.
  • Financially managed the company through the Global Financial Crisis. Introduced a range of cost initiatives and process changes that resulted in a reduction in headcount of 100 and a reduction in the cost base of $10M.
  • Restructured the finance function. Led a stable, consistently well performing team. Staff engagement survey in 2011 placed team amongst most engaged in APN group.
  • Consolidated and simplified financial systems to streamline month end processes and improve reporting. Managed continual changes in structure and reporting requirements.
  • Managed reporting to 2 shareholders, two different reporting packs, three different accounting bases (NZIFRS, AFRS, US Gaap) with 3 day close period.
  • M&A Activity: Completed due diligence and buyout of JV partner in Kapiti, sale of online recruitment business, sale of outdoor business, closure of business units.
  • Helped launch iHeartRadio in NZ, giving TRN a game-changing competitive advantage over its closest competitor.
  • Amalgamated group companies to simplify structure. Involved in a number of financial structure and funding changes.
  • Formulated and executed property divestment strategy.
  • Led development of business intelligence strategy.
  • Completed financial analysis and business cases for new radio licence opportunities. Gained board funding and was part of the successful team that purchased licences at auction. Renewed FM and AM licenses for 20 years at a cost of $45M.
  • Part of team defending Copyright Tribunal proceedings in relation to music royalties.
  • Successfully defended IRD investigation with positive outcome.
  • The Radio Network (TRN) is a leader in the radio market in NZ, with 7 networks across 25 markets and revenue and audience share of around 50%. The company was a joint venture between Clear Channel Communications (largest US radio company, and worldwide outdoor advertising company) and APN (Australasian listed Media company). TRN now forms part of NZME.

GM Finance NZ Operations

SKYCITY Entertainment Group
Auckland
01.2002 - 01.2005
  • Company Overview: SKYCITY Entertainment Group is in the top 10 listed companies in New Zealand by market capitalisation. In 2004 PriceWaterhouseCoopers ranked SKYCITY the highest of 70 listed New Zealand companies for creating shareholder value. The company operates gaming and entertainment complexes in Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Christchurch, Adelaide and Darwin.
  • Financial management of the Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown businesses that included casinos, bars, restaurants, hotels, a convention centre, retail and Sky Tower. The role included responsibility for Finance, Commercial Services (procurement and logistics) and Cashiering, with 190 staff.
  • Completed restructure of Finance function to better align with business needs.
  • Implemented PeopleSoft Finance and Supply Chain modules within a 6-month time frame. Re-engineered finance and supply chain processes.
  • Reviewed and significantly improved management reporting.
  • Completed business process improvement project across the Finance function, creating efficiencies.
  • Managed Auckland-wide cost focus project that achieved significant savings.
  • Implemented improved capital budgeting and financial analysis of capital expenditure.
  • Restructured the Cashiering function.
  • SKYCITY Entertainment Group is in the top 10 listed companies in New Zealand by market capitalisation. In 2004 PriceWaterhouseCoopers ranked SKYCITY the highest of 70 listed New Zealand companies for creating shareholder value. The company operates gaming and entertainment complexes in Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Christchurch, Adelaide and Darwin.

GM Finance

CLEAR Communications/TelstraCLEAR
Auckland
02.2000 - 03.2002
  • Company Overview: CLEAR Communications was the second largest full-service provider of telecommunications services in New Zealand. It was owned by British Telecom and later sold to Telstra during my time in this position and was renamed TelstraClear (now part of Vodafone). The company provided a full range of voice, data, and internet services, and has its own national and international network.
  • Financial management including financial and management reporting, financial analysis, budgeting, taxation, treasury and procurement. Financial reporting through to British Telecom and later Telstra.
  • Performed due diligence and acquired prepaid card business. Managed financial integration of business into existing business.
  • Participated in due diligence by two different potential buyers of CLEAR, including Telstra.
  • Completed financial accounting for Telstra acquisition and integrated reporting into Telstra reporting systems.
  • Managed response to IRD tax audit that ultimately lead to favourable outcomes.
  • Implemented product profitability reporting.
  • Identified as one of key CLEAR staff offered retention incentives during sale process. Offered Financial Controller role in TelstraCLEAR business following merger.
  • CLEAR Communications was the second largest full-service provider of telecommunications services in New Zealand. It was owned by British Telecom and later sold to Telstra during my time in this position and was renamed TelstraClear (now part of Vodafone). The company provided a full range of voice, data, and internet services, and has its own national and international network.

Finance and Operations Manager

Response
Auckland
01.1996 - 01.1999
  • Company Overview: Response was an entrepreneurial privately owned direct-marketing services organisation. Staff of 50, turnover $7M in services revenue, handling sales of up to $50M on behalf of clients. 30-seat call centre, 80,000 sq ft of warehouses on two sites, laser printing and data processing facilities. Services provided included mail, telephone and internet order processing, direct response television customer services, sales promotions and loyalty programme handling, customer contact programmes, coupon clearing, telemarketing and event ticketing.
  • Financial management, IT, and operations.
  • Implemented new accounting system, payroll system, LAN within first 6 months. Developed management reporting.
  • Carried out due diligence on a coupon business purchased by the company and supervised systems development and integration of the unit into the company.
  • As part of small management team, acted in client support capacity and pitched new business.
  • Designed and supervised development of operational systems for processing client transactions, significantly improving productivity.
  • Managed the introduction of two new companies to the business.
  • Introduced new logistics processes for track and trace of parcels.
  • Response was an entrepreneurial privately owned direct-marketing services organisation. Staff of 50, turnover $7M in services revenue, handling sales of up to $50M on behalf of clients. 30-seat call centre, 80,000 sq ft of warehouses on two sites, laser printing and data processing facilities. Services provided included mail, telephone and internet order processing, direct response television customer services, sales promotions and loyalty programme handling, customer contact programmes, coupon clearing, telemarketing and event ticketing.

Supervisor Capital Planning and Reporting

CLEAR Communications
Auckland
01.1994 - 01.1996
  • Managed a team of four planning, analyzing and reporting on capital investments. Management of a capital budget of $100M+.
  • Provided financial support to carrier relations, IT and Engineering divisions.
  • Significant involvement in design and implementation of Oracle Financial Accounting System, particularly the purchasing, procurement, and capital budgeting modules.
  • Ensured that the capital was employed to best advantage, and that the departments involved in building CLEAR’s infrastructure considered the financial benefits of each project. This was in a period of high growth and the establishment of CLEAR’s key national infrastructure.
  • Finance member of team managing the building of CLEAR’s fibre optic transmission network from Auckland to Christchurch. Set up systems for managing and tracking the project.
  • Project Manager of ‘Terrace’ project which involved laying of a fibre optic loop in Wellington’s CBD. This project was the start of CLEAR’s entry to the local service market.

Education

Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours - Accounting, Computer Science

Waikato University

Skills

  • Financial analysis
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Mergers and acquisitions experience
  • Financial process improvement
  • Board reporting
  • Corporate leadership
  • Financial management
  • Continuous learning mindset

Timeline

CFO

PBT Group
01.2019 - 01.2025

CFO

Tourism Holdings Limited
01.2014 - 01.2018

CFO & Acting CEO

The Radio Network
01.2005 - 01.2014

GM Finance NZ Operations

SKYCITY Entertainment Group
01.2002 - 01.2005

GM Finance

CLEAR Communications/TelstraCLEAR
02.2000 - 03.2002

Finance and Operations Manager

Response
01.1996 - 01.1999

Supervisor Capital Planning and Reporting

CLEAR Communications
01.1994 - 01.1996

Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours - Accounting, Computer Science

Waikato University

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