David Woods is the latest addition to our board of trustees.
Born in Ireland, with a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University, David has spent the last 30 years working in various management and governance roles at financial service organisations around the globe.
His most recent role was as Managing Director of Oikocredit International, a large micro finance cooperative based in the Netherlands, which supports financial inclusion, agriculture and renewable energy in the developing world – investing in people so they can build a better livelihood.
A recent immigrant to New Zealand almost a year ago, David has built up solid local networks.
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““I’ve been in New Zealand two to three times a year every year for the last five years in anticipation of eventually moving there. I’m really looking forward to getting involved in local organisations wanting to drive through change and progress to larger scale. I look forward to contributing my skills and knowledge to delivering successful outcomes for New Zealand locally and overseas. “”
David has recently become a Director of the Whai Rawa Fund Limited. Whai Rawa is all about creating a better future for Ngāi Tahu whānau through greater wealth and wellbeing. “Interestingly many of the issues with this Iwi trust, which is a social fund, are very similar to those that Oikocredit faced and I’m looking forward to using my experience in that context.” says David.
Before joining Oikocredit, David held leadership positions in various financial service organisations across various cultures and countries including in the United Arab Emirates, as CEO of Rasmala, a regional investment bank, as well as roles in Ireland, Scandinavia, Japan and the Middle East at ABN AMRO.
David has significant experience managing and overseeing various business functions including finance, change management, people development, and is a frequent keynote speaker.
“We are delighted to appoint David as a trustee.” says Glen Saunders, Chair of The Gift Trust.
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““The Gift Trust is focused on growth in the coming years and to encourage more generosity in New Zealand. We look forward to gaining David’s global insights, governance experience and innovative approach to support this growth. The other trustees and I are looking forward to working with him.””
