Our Founders

My HR career in New Zealand started with NZSki Ltd based in Queenstown. The company owns and operates three ski areas, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt. All three offered different personalities but were aligned in their passion for the snowsports and a love of what they do. It was an amazing environment in which to take on a first leadership role as the challenges were healthy enough to see the culture grow and careers develop in what was previously considered a transient industry.

NZSki won recognition as the supreme winner at the EEO Trust awards for their ‘Not just a one season wonder’ story, which detailed the emergence of qualification pathways and career development. The qualification framework, NZSki-U also received the HRINZ Initiative of the year as well as regional and industry recognition.

At this time I challenged myself with some ‘real life HR experience’ by completing twelve months within the infrastructure industry before taking on a global challenge of creating the people and performance function within the rapidly growing photography tourism company, Magic Memories.

As Director of People & Performance at Real Journeys, I was fortunate enough to work in some of the very best places in the world, right here in NZ and was surrounded by some truly remarkable people. Success came in the form of Diversity & Inclusion and it’s impact on genuine workplace culture, especially in areas where staff are working and living together. The Wisdom Workers initiative gained recognition as the supreme winner of Diversity Works NZ Awards but was really only the flagship story in what has been a truly remarkable journey.

I have considered myself an advocate in the development of D&I and have shared stories throughout my own progression in the hope of motivating and inspiring others along the way. 

Today I am using all I know, sharing experiences and using my network to create wonderfully impactful opportunities while championing Splendiferous. I don’t honestly believe in intellectual property when it comes to creating great workplaces and I am quite happy sharing all I know so that employees can be better off personally and professionally no matter where they work.

Kevin Sharpe

Founder, Splendiferous Group Ltd