Company > Our People > Profile - Stu Lees
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Profile - Stu Lees At an early age Stu found an interest in all things computerised. From the early days of writing basic programming code on his father's Amtstrad to his frustration at high-school at not being able to use a computer for his school work. Stu tempered his 'geek-side' with a passion for sports and in particular, basketball. In the early nineties, you could generally find a younger Mr Lees playing endless hours of basketball at Auckland's Youthtown or any of the many outdoor playgrounds around the North Shore.
Leaving the Bank to work with one of his lifelong business mentors, Stu worked for the Royal NZ Yatch Squadron as Systems Manager where he had to re-build the organisations' IT infrastructure in preparation for the hosting of the America's Cup Defence in 1997.
Stu followed his heart in 1998 and travelled to London where he proposed to his, now wife of 9 years, and 'did the OE thing'. Like a lot of kiwis travelling abroad, Stu chose to take the opportunity to make the most out of the international career options and he worked in software development, software and IT project management and a brief forray in IT management. In the work-hard, play-hard London world, he thrived.
Born and bred on the North Shore of Auckland, Stu's fondness for Auckland's beaches and outdoor lifestyle brought him back to NZ after a two year stint. A job offer soon involved him in the setup of a major Shared Service Centre project for Owens Global Logistics where he spent several years setting up, running the new IT operations centre and also project managing the implementation of an ERP system (JD Edwards). It was here, with 1400 end-user customers and a $500m bottom line, that he learnt the value of reliable IT systems and strong disaster recovery procedures.
The last 7 years for Stu have been involved in RADN Technology Solutions with business partner and friend, Stephen Needham. Stu has been integral in the development of this successful business in New Zealand with the setup of the RADN eSecurity Division and the RAD9 Computer Services divisions concurrently.
Taking a more focussed turn in his career, Stu launched Zero Down Limited in June 2010.
Outside of work, Stu currently lives in Silverdale, North Auckland with his wife Emma ,5 year old son Ben and in April 2010 they had their first daughter Sadie. A new passion for horses was introduced to him by his wife Emma and they now live on a 5 acre lifestyle block'. Stu and Emma currently work as volunteer foster parents for the Auckland SPCA.
Stu is also an active supporter and Online Marketing Advisor for the PawJustice not for profit orgnisation. |