Callaghan Innovation

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Vic Crone

Chief Executive

Vic has significant executive and governance experience in technology and innovation. She brings a strong customer focus, and a track record of leading and implementing strategy, and building organisational culture.

Vic was previously the Managing Director of Xero, NZ and New Markets, following executive roles at Chorus and Telecom New Zealand.

Vic is Chair of the Stats NZ Advisory Board and Figure.NZ Board. She has also been an Independent Director on the Boards of a number of companies and organisations in the technology sector, including RedShield, Creative HQ and the Hi-Tech Trust.

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Esther Livingston

Chief Operations Officer - Internal Partnering

Esther specialises in ensuring excellence in delivery of services that support great customer outcomes.  Esther is known for her collaborative and values-driven approach to executive leadership and she has extensive general management and executive leadership experience across the public and private sectors.  She is a strong communicator and facilitator of change, driven by both the business and its customers.

At Callaghan Innovation, she leads our Internal Partnering Group which includes the RDTI, Contracting and Funding, Policy, International and Design, and People and Capability functions.  Esther was formerly our General Manager – People and Capability and previously held general manager positions for ESR, Tourism New Zealand, Infinity Solutions and Comtex Group. She has worked as an independent consultant and has a MBS (Hons).

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Jen Cherrington

Chief Digital Officer

As a member of the leadership team, Jen leads Callaghan Innovation’s digital function and team, helping the organisation utilise the tools and technology needed to look after our very diverse range of customers and their innovation needs.

With 20+ years in global digital/technology roles across a variety of listed businesses as well as startups, Jen brings broad industry experience that focuses on data driven and UX optimised customer led outcomes.

Most recently CTO at Genesis Energy in NZ, Jen worked previously in the UK for 25 years with the likes of eBay, Amazon, British Telecom and Electrocomponents and currently sits on the technology committee as an independent advisor for Foodstuffs NI.

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Paul Linton

General Manager Research and Technical Services, and Commercial Businesses 

Paul has a background in international business and economic development in both the private and public sectors. He has held senior positions with MetService of New Zealand, Airways New Zealand , New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and Objective Corporation.

He has also held a number of roles as New Zealand’s trade commissioner in Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

His industry background spans a wide range of technology organisations – incorporating software, data, science, engineering and manufacturing.

Paul runs the Research & Technical Services divisions of Callaghan Innovation employing New Zealand’s leading scientists and engineers who provide R&D, product prototyping and innovation services. These divisions include Biotechnology, Advanced Manufacturing, IoT and Data Solutions, and Advanced Materials. Paul also runs the commercial businesses of Callaghan Innovation. These include export businesses KiwiStar Optics, GlycoSyn and the Measurement Standards Laboratory (MSL) of New Zealand. 

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Stefan Korn

General Manager - MEE & Sectors

Stefan Korn has launched and developed numerous successful business ventures, many of which are now operating in Australia, the US and Europe.

In his prior role as CEO of Creative HQ, Stefan led a team that launched accelerators for startups, government and corporates, inclusive innovation initiatives such as the Korero Matauranga (NZ's Education Summits), and international innovation training programmes.  

Stefan has a PhD in Neural Networks/Artificial Intelligence and an MBA in International Business. He has also authored a range of books on early-stage venture development as well as parenting for dads. In 2010 Stefan was recognised as a New Zealander of the Year by North & South Magazine for innovation in parenting education.