Who we are

The EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association) has lit the pathway of opportunity for Aotearoa businesses since 1886. As the unapologetic champions of Kiwi ambition, we advocate for employers and arm them with the training, wisdom, and connections to secure their future.

In collaboration with our nationwide network including BusinessNZ, Business Central, Business Canterbury, and Business South, we represent and support over 76,000 Member companies.

About the EMA
About the EMA

We arm New Zealand business with knowledge, wisdom and connections

We have a long track record of supporting and mentoring New Zealand business.

We’re your inside advantage, your trusted guide, your biggest supporter.

EMA mission

To inspire and instill belief in the ingenuity and industry of New Zealand business. As champions of commercial ambition and acumen, we use our insights and expertise to make the connections that will create the greatest opportunities and growth for a business, its people, and its community.

About the EMA

EMA Locations

EMA Leadership Team

John Fraser Mackenzie

John Fraser-Mackenzie

John Fraser-Mackenzie is the Chief Executive of the EMA, having commenced in that role in June 2024. He is a graduate of the University of Cape Town, with a Bachelor of Business Science, Accounting and Finance, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting. 

He held various roles in finance and accounting with multinational food producer HJ Heinz, in Zimbabwe, Germany and the United Kingdom, before emigrating to New Zealand in 2006. John then spent nearly nine years with Goodman Fielder NZ Ltd, rising to the position of Finance Director. He spent nearly five years as Chief Financial Officer with Metro Performance Glass and nine months as Interim Chief Financial Officer. 

Following his time with Metro Performance Glass, John spent four years as Executive Director of Pacific Harvest Limited, along with advisory roles at AlphaCert Labs and James Dunlop Textiles Group. John is also a certified business coach with multinational executive and leadership education provider Scaling Up Coaches.

Head of Marketing and Transformation

Head of Professional Services

Head of Membership and Export

Vicky Wang

Head of Finance

Head of Advocacy and Strategy

Head of Legal and General Counsel

EMA Board

The EMA Board is responsible for the overall direction and strategy of the EMA. It also appoints the CEO, who has delegated authority for the day-to-day running of the business.
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Lisa Dean

Head of Marketing, Communications and Projects

Lisa is the Head of Marketing & Communications, having started with the EMA in January 2023. She is a graduate of the University of Waikato with a degree in Management & Marketing. Lisa is a marketing and communications leader with more than 20 years’ experience driving growth and brand awareness through strategic omni channel campaigns.

Lisa has a strong background in B2B marketing and a proven track record of success working in New Zealand and internationally with companies like: Sovereign, 3M, Fletcher Merchants, Z Energy and Vodafone. As the Head of Marketing and Communications Lisa is responsible for developing and implementing the EMA’s marketing strategy to improve awareness of the EMA, drive growth and deliver member value.

Nick Sheppard

Head of Learning, Development and HR

Nick is a highly successful, driven and innovative senior leader, with a proven track record driving strategy, change and process improvement across a range of sectors. He has an impressive history leading change that improves organisational structure and culture, generates revenue, and enhances programme frameworks and financial outcomes. With a people and performance-focused approach to create engaged, highly productive and motivated workforces, Nick has led transformation during periods of change and instability.

He has a consistent track record of successfully building and leading teams to exceed organisational goals and targets, and recognised skill in establishing highly effective, mutually-beneficial relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. His proven results and strong commitment to customer experience and engagement has led him to his current role as the EMA’s Head of Learning.

Simon Devoy

Head of Membership and Export

With a strong background in strategic leadership and stakeholder management, Simon plays a key role in driving membership growth and engagement within the EMA. Prior to joining EMA, Simon held leadership positions in various industries, including sports administration, HR and banking. His leadership roles at both Auckland and New Zealand Rugby unions, showcased his ability to deliver key objectives and foster community engagement.

Simon’s expertise in HR, finance and operations, gained during his tenure at the Bank of New Zealand, further enhances his strategic approach to Leading the Membership Team. Simon holds a degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Waikato, As the Head of Membership, Simon Devoy brings extensive experience, strategic insight, and a passion for communities to EMA, supporting member businesses in achieving their goals and fostering a vibrant membership community.

Alan McDonald

Head of Advocacy and Strategy

Alan McDonald is the Head of Advocacy and Strategy at the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). He has been responsible for setting and guiding the policy agenda, and lobbying both central and local government on behalf of EMA Members, for a number of years. With a background in corporate and public affairs, Alan has extensive experience developing and implementing large-scale campaigns to effect significant industry change and achieve critical business goals.

His work has firmly established the EMA as a leading voice within the BusinessNZ network, advocating on various topics such as urban development, transport, supply chains, education, immigration and employment law. Beyond his work at the EMA, Alan has been involved with the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ), having been co-opted to its board in 2023.

Mauro Barsi

Head of Legal, Consultancy and General Counsel

Mauro is an experienced advocate for businesses and employers and a trusted advisor when you need it most. He brings a powerful mix of practical knowledge in Employment Relations and Human Resources, litigation experience; and time spent as a senior leader in both the public and private sectors, all to help resolve your issues quickly and effectively. 

Having worked in-house with organisations to manage growth and transformation projects, his broad business management knowledge means he brings an overarching approach to issues. Mauro helps businesses shape their organisations through strategy, bargaining, restructuring and the implementation of new people structures, through to managing personal grievances, investigations, and employment disputes.