
Jo Avenell
Chief Executive Officer
Russell McVeagh
Jo is an accomplished senior executive and director with broad experience and a proven track record in transforming organisational culture and commercial performance across diverse industries, both in New Zealand and globally.
Her career includes professional services, financial services (both retail and investment banking), and infrastructure and logistics, across the public and private sector in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
As CEO of Russell McVeagh, Jo is leading the firms ambitious programme of growth and transformation.
 
She believes organisations succeed when their culture, leadership and values are strong. Jo focuses on unlocking the full potential of an organisation by shaping a clear and compelling vision and purpose, supported by effective governance and a culture driven by high engagement, performance and execution. 
Her purpose is to improve organisational performance by harnessing the potential and energy of its people and resources, contributing to the prosperity of New Zealand Inc.
SESSIONS
DAY 1
11:40
CEO Fireside Chat: Making the Call When There’s No Playbook
- How to lead decisively when visibility is low and pressure is high 
- Balancing stakeholder demands, values, and performance under fire 
- What grounded their leadership during the most difficult moments 
- What they’d do differently and what they stand by 
Margie Apa, Former Chief Executive Officer, Te Whatu Ora
Jo Avenell, Chief Executive Officer, Russell McVeagh
