TESTIMONIALS
Inspirational, innovative and worldly are three words that spring to mind when I think of Alister Lawrence and his outstanding leadership style. During the ten years I have worked with Alister he has unrelentingly helped others to achieve so they deliver their best results and that is one way he succeeds in building high performance teams.
From working with him on our chosen charity to sponsorships and industry events and our overseas trips programme through to new business ventures, he is constantly driven by success and I have always valued his passion for the business and the wider industry.
Never one to shy away from new technology, Alister embraces innovation and demonstrates what is possible and as a leader encourages us to do the same. Alister is extremely anchored and
with his integrity can add value to any organization as he thrives
on a challenge and better yet, encourages his team to do the same. He is absolutely a gentleman and an exciting man to know.
Sarah Barwick
Marketing Manager, Plumbing World
Having consulted to a significant number and wide range of CEOs in the past 30 years I have no hesitation in placing Alister in the very top rank. He is an outstanding leader and enjoys a high level of dedication and support from his team. He delegates early and brings out the best in others. He challenges people to be the best they can be and gives them the support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.
Alister insists on having focussed and well-thought-out plans – both short and long term – and ensuring that those who are going to implement the plan are fully engaged in developing them. Alister is committed to organisational structures that are customer-focussed and this ensures that his business is easy to deal with.
His leadership style inspires and motivates others and he understands the significance of a high-performance culture as a means to achieve high levels of satisfaction – and therefore loyalty – from both customers and staff.
He has a track record of success in innovation and change. He challenges himself and all those around him to question the status quo and to constantly seek new and better ways to do things. He drives out inefficiency without sacrificing quality. When meeting challenges and solving problems, he insists on in-depth analysis that defines the cause(s) of problems, he sets clear goals and canvasses all alternative solutions before choosing the best one(s).
Alister is an avid reader. He keeps right up-to-date with the literature and this stimulates his curiosity and his strategic thinking.
I have enjoyed working with Alister in his several roles over the past 20 years. His values and integrity are completely beyond question and I have no hesitation in recommending him.
Peter Crellin
Principal of Performance Edge
It is an honour to write a testimonial for Alister Lawrence, highly respected in the plumbing industry.
I have known Alister for close on 25 years, both in a professional and personal capacity, and have always found him to be extremely professional and accommodating.
Hydroflow Distributors Ltd, being a supplier to the plumbing industry, has had many business dealings with Alister in his role as CEO of NZPM, and I can say he is very personable and approachable.
Alister has always been able to recognise business opportunities, such was his initiative to expand Patton Refrigeration internationally, now a very successful business for NZPM and its Shareholders.
Alister is not only articulate, but commanding and forceful when necessary. Alister’s biggest asset is the respect he has from his peers and employees and I believe him to be a great CEO.
Outside of business he has always showed a willingness to participate and support both the local communities and charities, this was shown by him heading the Plumbing Industry Charitable Trust, successfully raising large sums for very worthwhile causes such as Youth Suicide.
Ken Breckon
Managing Director, Hydroflow Distributors Ltd
I first met Alister approximately 6 months after his appointment as CEO of NZPM and Plumbing World. I am so impressed with what Alister has brought to the company and I have stated that I believe he has been one of the best things that has happened to NZPM and Plumbing World.
His vision, honesty, and his empathy for all is truly amazing, and as a small business owner and a Shareholder in NZPM I felt a little intimidated when I first met Alister as he was a CEO. After our first “meet the directors of the company” meeting however, I changed my mind. Alister was interested in what I had to say and reacted with honesty and integrity to all my questions and queries (whether or not he thought they were stupid or at a level that a CEO shouldn't bother with).
I am also amazed that Alister involved himself with the PICT (Plumbing Industry Charitable Trust) for Youth at Risk, as well as the Stellar Trust as I know this was time he could have spent with his family and as a CEO of a big company time and energy must have been stretched.
I will miss Alister as the NZPM CEO and several other Shareholders have expressed the same thoughts. I have no hesitation in supporting Alister in whatever endeavours he decides to undertake and hope our paths will cross in the future as I believe he will be a big loss to our industry if he leaves it.
Kevin Stevens
Owner, Stevens Plumbing
I have known Alister for around 14 years in a business and friendship capacity, when he was firstly CEO of Englefields / Kohler Australasia,
and then subsequently in his capacity as CEO of Plumbing World and NZPM Group.
When I first met Alister at Englefield, he passed on helpful business advice on how to lead companies. His advice particularly around empowering people, was hugely beneficial to our company in the formative stages as we transformed into a multinational group.
I rate Alister as one of the industry Leaders and Visionaries, and I
hope that his experience and nous will not be lost to the plumbing
and building sector.
As an individual he has always impressed me with his professionalism
and courtesy – a real gentleman of business. Therefore he is a pleasure
to be with, both in business and personally.
Rick Fala
Group CEO, Methven Ltd
I am honoured to have known Alister for over ten years as both a business associate and friend and can attest to his quality of moral standards and principles of encouraging goodness and decency.
Alister possesses a keen sense of empathy and loyalty towards fellow work colleagues and business associates, a trait rarely attributed to someone in such an authoritative role – principles that have endeared him to his subordinates, irrespective of age, gender or ethnicity.
He is committed to a clear, concise, and meaningful set of beliefs,
and priorities that have been the hallmark of his unequivocal success in a challenging CEO’s position both here in New Zealand and on a global stage.
He also displays a steadfast conviction for social responsibility,
a characteristic recognised through his dedication to Rotary International where he was bestowed the honour of several Paul Harris Fellowship awards for his active participation in numerous community endeavors over his many years service to the organisation.
Alister was instrumental in establishing the Plumbing Industry Charitable Trust ten years ago – an organization responsible for
raising in excess of $1.2 million for charities supporting Youth at
Risk, and since retiring from the position of Chairman of the Board holds a trustee’s role and that of lifetime Patron. He also serves
as a Board member of the Stellar Trust – an organization whose
focus and undertaking is for the elimination of Methamphetamine
from NZ society.
To understand Alister’s sincerity and true commitment to Family values you need look no further than to that of his wife, three daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren to understand the genuine character and substance of this unique man.
Peter Crook
Principal of 7Group Advertising
I have known Alister for more than 20 years since his days at ABB Service when my former Company, Electropar, was a supplier to that organisation. We crossed paths again when he joined the same Rotary Club as the one I belonged to, that being the Rotary Club of Auckland East Inc.
Alister excels in leadership roles and his talents were put to very good use in Rotary where he delivered much innovation and was recognised for his commitment to “service above self” by being awarded three Paul Harris Fellows, the highest award any Rotary Club member can have bestowed upon them.
Whilst a member of Auckland East Rotary, he was instrumental in establishing the Stellar Trust, an organisation founded with the goal of teaching young people about the dangers of methamphetamine and remains the Deputy Chairman of the Trust today.
Alister is a special individual. He is a logical thinker and gets up every morning with a will to solve problems. This enthusiasm for doing things makes it easy to attract others to the cause, even when it is a high bar to leap over.
I value our friendship and the adventures we have had together over the years.
Grant Wallace
Director, Electropar Limited
As a Shareholder in NZPM Group I have known Alister for nearly
9 years. Through involvement in Shareholder activities including
overseas trips I have got to know Alister very well. Alister has led
the company through a period of significant change, including the expansion of the Patton business in Australia, Asia and India.
Alister has brought the NZPM Group through some very volatile and difficult times and is leaving the company in a very positive state
which I believe would not have happened without his direction and forethought.
Alister has also taken the time to get involved in and support
Master Plumbers’ activities and he established and still leads the Plumbing Industry Charitable Trust (PICT) which under his direction (voluntary) has raised several hundreds of thousands of dollars to
help Youth-At- Risk.
Alister has made a significant positive contribution and shown leadership of both the company and within the wider industry.
On a personal level I believe we enjoy mutual trust, friendship and respect, and his open style has been refreshing.
Dan Baker
Director/Company Owner
Domestic & Industrial Plumbers Ltd t/a B&B Plumbing & Drainage
Parris Plumbing
I have been pleased to act for Alister in his capacity as CEO of various companies since 2000. During that time I have acted for, and worked with, him on a variety of significant matters including:
-
The grooming of the Englefield Bathroomware business for sale
and its sale to Wisconsin based Kohler Co.; -
The purchase for NZPM Group of the Metrix Imports Australian
and New Zealand businesses; -
The review and development of a new share and capital funding structure for NZPM Group, a large cooperative company, and its successful implementation through the issue of a new Prospectus
and the conduct of a nationwide road show to NZPM Group’s
approx. 1000 shareholders; - The opening of NZPM Group’s business operations in India; and
- Legal governance for NZPM Group’s operations in New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and India.
From my perspective Alister is a thoroughly professional businessman. He is a strategic thinker, remains calm under pressure and is a talented problem solver.
Alister understands the importance of business relationships and
has a keen sense of the human factors involved. He is respectful
and supportive of his team and commands their respect and loyalty. He expresses himself in a polite reasoned manner, and makes his expectations clear.
Alister has senior experience in a number of industries. He has strong hands-on international business experience, being thoughtful about the cultural aspects that can arise.
Mark Lowndes
Principal Partner, Lowndes Associates
I have known Alister Lawrence in a professional capacity for just over a decade. Alister, in his role as CEO NZPM, has been a long term strategic customer/partner to our business here in NZ.
In a professional capacity over the time I have known Alister, he has led a progressive organisation. Through his journey as CEO, Alister has enhanced the existing co-op model of Plumbing World, whilst acquiring and blending complementary business divisions into the longer term strategic plan for NZPM in support of ambitious growth. He has done this very successfully in what can only be described as challenging times for all business in the wider Building Industry of New Zealand.
One of the unique attributes Alister brings with him is not only his sharp business acumen, but a sense of social responsibility. With true vision, Alister created what is now known as the Plumbing Industry Charitable Trust (PICT), which has raised over $1mil for some of the most needing charities in New Zealand.
The PICT was Alister’s way of putting something back into society from our industry, while understanding the importance of bringing together industry colleagues and competitors once a year to celebrate industry success. The key to this forum was to raise money for the genuine hard working charitable organisations such as ‘What’s Up’, ‘The Foundation for Youth Development’, ‘Stellar Trust’, and ‘The Parenting Place’. Alister has achieved this from the ground up, from nothing but a real genuine concern for Youth at Risk in our society today.
Throughout all our business dealings over the years, Alister has always carried himself professionally, been a true industry leader and a delight to work alongside. Nothing stands in the way of a common sense and pragmatic approach. Always fiercely competitive, Alister is driven to make the organisation and people he leads develop and succeed.
Although business is always a priority, people and fun are always top of his mind. Alister epitomises the CEO role and the responsibilities that come with it on all levels. On a personal note, I wish Alister all the very best for his future and look forward to the next successful chapter of his career.
Simon Lavery
GM, GWA NZ
Alister created the Plumbing Industry Charitable Trust (PICT) some 13 years ago when he became motivated to make a difference to young people who were at risk. From small beginnings Alister has drawn together many diverse (and divergent) people from within, and associated with, the plumbing industry. The PICT is now a formal charitable trust and has grown considerably in its size and scale.
It now donates around $250,000 every year to its four Youth at Risk charities through its nationwide events. Alister has shown a generation of industry people the importance of giving, helping and making a difference. He is held in such high regard that in 2012 he was asked to take on the role of Patron for the PICT, and we are delighted that he has agreed to continue his association with the PICT.
Garry Ivill
Chairperson, PICT Organising Committee
Without Alister Lawrence’s early entry to the televised (TV One) leadership project Leaders Review, this business-in-community series to focus and fire up community business confidence post-GFC, would never have got off the ground the way it did.
Alister’s initial encouragement of other leadership proved the tipping point for the later, pan-industry involvement of 50 of the country’s recognized entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs over a four year span.
Through long-time observation, Alister demonstrates a first instinct for common sense, the common good, and where necessary, the pro-active leadership of leaders. Most influential leader of the series.
Peter Anich
Executive Producer, Leaders Review 2010-13
I first met Alister during 1998 when he visited our TOTO Jakarta office and factories which are majority owned by my principal; Mr. Mardjoeki Atmadiredja.
The positive impressions of Alister during those meetings and consequent confidence and trust achieved between all parties has resulted in a long and fruitful business friendship which now extends into the next generation of Toto Indonesia’s management.
A direct result of this association is the success of the NZPM Group achieving exclusive NZ distributorship of the TOTO brand (world’s largest bathroom and kitchen fixtures manufacturer).
Alister demonstrates absolute integrity and care in all aspects of his business, and his diplomacy, cultural awareness, negotiating skills, and quiet sense of humour smooths the way throughout.
I would absolutely recommend Alister without hesitation for any role where leadership, integrity, diplomacy, and executive management skills are a requirement.
Mark Hobin
Director, Asialink Trading NZ Ltd
I have had the pleasure of working with Alister Lawrence since November 2008 through our involvement as Trustees for the Stellar Trust as we strived to reduce the impact of Methamphetamine in New Zealand. Prior to that I had known Alister when we attended high school together in Christchurch in the 1960s.
During the last almost 5 years, as we have worked together at the Stellar Trust, I have observed Alister’s ability to work with a divergent group of people, to propose and advance ideas, to help keep the team focussed on outcomes and use his contacts for the benefit of others.
Alister is a clear thinker, gets to the point of an issue and is tenacious in his ability to get an outcome. While not always winning he has the ability to stay focussed and interested in the project. He can be relied upon to ask the hard questions in a very open way.
I have enjoyed working with Alister and look forward to continuing our work with the Stellar Trust with him. He has a business sense that has been very useful as we have seen the Trust grow.
Alister has much to contribute and he will no doubt continue to add value for whoever he works with. I wish him well as he seeks new challenges and look forward to working with him in the future.
Burton Shipley
Chairman, Stellar Trust
I got the opportunity to know Alister during my tenure as MD of Patton India, where he was the Chairman of the Board.
His in-depth understanding to build start-ups was an asset for the success of Patton operations in India. Alister is a man of strong business acumen. His knowledge of culture of Asian countries will prove a big help for any corporation wishing to enter uncharted territories of this part of the world.
A person with pleasing personality, strong emotional but logical mental strength, someone who believes in networking - Alister has good contacts at the levels where it matters for the success of any business - new or established.
Vinod Rehki
Indian Businessman and former colleague
In my role as CEO of Patton Group, I had the opportunity to work with and report to Alister for the last 9 years. Alister oversaw the international expansion of Patton into Thailand, India and Australia. I always found Alister to be an excellent listener and a very sound and mature sounding board for ideas.
Alister is a well networked, well respected and a successful CEO. His leadership skills along with his communication skills are very advanced and during my time with him I learnt a lot from him.
Alister is a leader who does not get fazed by challenges. He also constantly reminds everyone to have fun on the way to achieving greater heights. It has been a pleasure working with Alister!
Sameer Handa
CEO, Patton Ltd
I have known Alister Lawrence since 1998 when he first visited our Jakarta office and factories.
In his role as CEO of the NZPM Group, Alister negotiated with me exclusive New Zealand distributorship of our TOTO brand bathroom products for the Plumbing World stores in his group.
Alister has demonstrated integrity and honesty in his dealing with PT. Surya Toto Indonesia, and we have built a strong mutual respect and friendship over the last 15 years.
I have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone wanting to do business with him.
Mardjoeki Atmadiredja
P.T. Surya Toto Indonesia
Alister was the chairman of Construction Marketing Services Ltd (CMS) for over seven years. Alister is a strong supporter of the principles of Future Proof Building and the benefits that all involved receive from the CMS programmes.
Alister provided professional and strong leadership to CMS during his time as Chairman. Alister's leadership and support ensured that CMS prospered during his time as Chairman.
Alister provided professional governance at all times and I would recommend him without hesitation.
Richard Carver
Shareholder/Director CMS
We at Eastern Polymer Group have known Alister for eight years and in the last five years have established a very successful Joint Venture assembly facility here in Bangkok. This development was driven by Alister's vision to a large extent and he became a Director of the Joint Venture company.
Alister has shown a high level of business professionalism, sound strategic thinking and is very results focussed. He is a clear communicator and has also shown a deep sensitivity to Thai culture and our people, and has made a good effort at developing a rudimentary level of language skills.
It has been enjoyable working with Alister and we will miss his contribution to our business. We wish him all the best in his endeavours.
Pawat Vitoorapakorn
President, Eastern Polymer Group, Thailand
I have known Alister over the past seventeen years, since he was CEO for Engelfield Industries in 1996 and following his appointment as CEO for NZPM (New Zealand Plumbing Merchants) in 2004.
During these periods Alister brought about major changes to each of the organisations, bringing growth and benefits to each.
I have, and I’m sure others are of similar view, that Alister has always been admired in not only creating a vision for the business future, but also has the ability to impart the message with clarity, not only to employees but also to associate industry businesses.
To achieve the goals set Alister was seen to spend much time and interest in the training and development of personnel, which had the resulting benefit of bringing about positive change and growth to those organisations.
Aside from a high level of business commitment Alister was also seen to equally commit to those socially disadvantaged. He can be fully credited with the establishment and raising of significant monies for “Youth at Risk” which culminated in the establishment of PICT, the Plumbing Industry Charitable Trust.
Whilst the beginnings were at a local level, this is now well established over wider New Zealand, resulting in major monetary contributions to a number of volunteer bodies.
Working with Alister I have found him straightforward and honest in his business dealings, with a high level of integrity which to my knowledge has never been called to question.
I wish him, and his wife Marilyn, all the success for his future ventures.
Craig Bodmin
Former CEO
Rheem New Zealand Limited