Rhys Holding
Ellerslie
Summary
A senior commercial and business development leader with extensive experience across energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors. Proven success in executive sales, strategic growth, and stakeholder management, including work in low-emission technology, mobility, and sustainability initiatives. Demonstrated record of achievement in developing new markets, managing large portfolios, and delivering complex commercial outcomes for government and corporate clients. Highly consultative and benefits-focused approach, including a strong recent track record of understanding and identifying talent for companies in technically complex manufacturing, services and industrial environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Consultant
Farrow Jamieson Limited
07.2023 - Current
- Delivering executive recruitment and advisory services within Energy, Infrastructure, and Manufacturing sectors. Provide senior-level consulting, board advisory, and leadership strategy input as part of the senior leadership team.
- Secure numerous high-profile executive appointments and advisory mandates.
- Lead consultant recruitment, training, and marketing/IT platform development.
- Contribute to SLT strategy planning, governance, and business development initiatives.
New Zealand Country Manager (Part-time)
TransLEDer Lighting Limited
04.2017 - Current
- Oversaw all aspects of the company’s NZ operations for major LED infrastructure projects under NZTA subsidy programmes. Led sales, logistics, certification, and government liaison.
- Delivered first $5M+ contract with Auckland Transport for 20,000 lighting units.
- Managed tenders and delivery for national rollouts and South Island projects.
- Represented NZ in product development and quality assurance visits to Hong Kong and China.
Business Development Manager
SG Fleet (NZ) Limited
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Responsible for sector development, business acquisition, and integration initiatives following merger activity. Focus on leveraging fleet and electric vehicle expertise to develop mobility and consulting solutions.
- Identified and pursued large-scale fleet opportunities, securing multiple tender wins across NZ and Australia. Directed engagement in programmes such as Three Waters.
- Developed new low and zero-emission vehicle programmes with clients such as government and public sector agencies; led engagement in national E-Mobility and CFO forums.
Senior Consultant
Farrow Jamieson Limited
05.2018 - 06.2021
- As above - track record of delivering senior- to executive-level placements with clients, predominantly in search assignments for industries with significant scale and/or technical, operational or engineer complexities.
National Account Director / Business Development Manager
EECA
02.2014 - 02.2017
- Led national business engagement and programme delivery to New Zealand’s largest industrial energy users. Seconded to Westpac Institutional Bank as Cleantech Advisor supporting energy efficiency financing.
- Developed and managed $6M annual government funding to leverage $50M+ in private investment.
- Built and led team of 10 account managers across NZ; delivered over 90 major contracts.
- Appointed lead advisor to the Government’s $33M Electric Vehicle Programme; directed Ministerial launch.
Business Manager – Industrial Portfolio
Mighty River Power (Mercury Energy)
11.2005 - 05.2012
- Managed a $350M portfolio of industrial electricity clients, delivering tailored financial and supply solutions. Led national relationships at CFO and CEO level across major infrastructure, manufacturing, and utilities sectors.
- Negotiated the company’s largest independent contract valued at $25M EBIT p.a.
- Exceeded sales and margin growth targets, growing industrial portfolio by 20%.
- Represented company at major industry forums and led client engagement pre-IPO.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce and Administration -
Victoria University
WellingtonSkills
- Strategic Business Development – Experienced in identifying and capturing growth opportunities across complex markets
- Stakeholder Engagement – Strong relationships across government, infrastructure, and C-suite networks
- Leadership & Mentoring – Proven record in developing high-performing teams and driving business strategy
- Commercial Acumen & Negotiation – Skilled in structuring complex contracts, managing tenders, and delivering high-value commercial outcomes across energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors
- Market Development & Strategy – Proven ability to create and execute go-to-market strategies that establish new markets and drive sustained business growth
- Relationship Influence & Advocacy – Strong influencer with extensive networks across corporate, government, and financial sectors, driving collaboration and strategic partnerships
Timeline
Senior Consultant
Farrow Jamieson Limited
07.2023 - Current
Business Development Manager
SG Fleet (NZ) Limited
07.2021 - 06.2023
Senior Consultant
Farrow Jamieson Limited
05.2018 - 06.2021
New Zealand Country Manager (Part-time)
TransLEDer Lighting Limited
04.2017 - Current
National Account Director / Business Development Manager
EECA
02.2014 - 02.2017
Business Manager – Industrial Portfolio
Mighty River Power (Mercury Energy)
11.2005 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Commerce and Administration -
Victoria University
INTERESTS
Travel, Golf, Boating, Hunting and Fishing, Property Investment, Motorsport Enthusiast.
EARLIER CAREER SUMMARY
Business Development and Management roles across FMCG, Publishing, and Utilities sectors, including:
- Contract Business Development positions with Thiess Services, Igniter Consulting
- Sales and Marketing Management roles with NZ Autocar (Fairfax Media), EFTPOS NZ (ANZ), and Goodman Fielder.
Responsibilities included sales management, strategic planning, and commercial leadership.