Three new Future Directors to join the MTF Finance Board in 2024

Simon Wolfgram – Term 1 - 1 February 2024 – 30 April 2024

Simon has been a part-owner operator at MTF Finance Manukau for the past 10 years whilst being heavily involved with MTF Finance Mt Wellington and MTF Finance Takanini as part of the family business. And has been involved in the Automotive industry and Vehicle finance in some shape or form for the past 25 years.

Simon is keen to learn how the board operates and will use his time in the Future Director programme to pursue his interest in an MTF Finance board position.

Chris Elles – Term 2 - 1 May 2024 – 31 August 2024

Chris Elles started his career in semiconductor manufacturing before becoming a leader at early-stage Amazon.com. He has also served in numerous leadership positions within the NZ Army since 2003. He is a 2016 alumnus of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Chris has been the managing director of the multi-award-winning Christchurch dealership Rolling Thunder Harley-Davidson and an MTF Finance member since 2001.

Dean Paterson - Term 3 - 1 October 2024 – 31 December 2024

Dean Paterson is the owner-operator of MTF Finance New Plymouth and one of MTF Finance’s longest-running Franchise Owners.

Previously a vehicle dealer with MTF Finance for 20 years, he began the New Plymouth franchise in 2008 and has since been a member and Chairman of the Franchise Advisory Council. His longevity with the company means he has seen MTF Finance weather many financial storms (and a pandemic).

Dean has a passion for IT and is keenly aware that MTF Finance’s success needs to be for the benefit of all shareholders in many diverse spaces. He is keen to learn how to help create value for the company in the governance space.

This marks the second year MTF Finance has backed the IoD Future Directors programme, having already inducted three business owners to the programme in 2023.

The skills these business owners learned in their three-month commitment will serve them in their own businesses and in taking a greater governance role in their business communities, strengthening New Zealand's businesses as a whole.

Board Chair Mark Darrow commented, “As a member organisation, it is important we develop new directors from within the small shareholder base and have been delighted with the calibre and number of people putting their hand up to develop their governance skills and to have a deeper involvement with MTF Finance.

Sarah Deans from the Institute of Directors commented “The Institute of Directors (IoD) is delighted to continue working with MTF Finance and supporting their Future Director programme. The opportunity for originators to participate as Future Directors on the MTF Finance board is an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on governance experience and a deeper understanding of how boards work and contribute to developing strategies and addressing challenges affecting their industry. Congratulations to MTF Finance’s 2024 Future Directors.”

Hamish Jacob, MTF Finance Thorndon Franchise Owner and 2023 MTF Finance Future Directors programme candidate said, “This is a great initiative by MTF Finance as it allows those potentially interested in future directorships to understand the true role of a Company Director in a Board environment. I have been able to experience the full gambit of these roles and be involved in each Board meeting. Many do not realise the work that company directors put in behind the scenes and the unseen hours invested by these Directors. The extent of how committees operate and report to the board has been enlightening and assists in understanding how decisions are made. It is a rewarding experience that I would encourage others interested in directorships to apply for in the future.”