Rod has more than 30 years experience as an international financial journalist and has worked in Europe and North America for leading publications such as the "Financial Times" of London. His career with the Financial Times spanned 18 years as an editor and writer based in London and New York and he has also travelled extensively in North America, Europe and Asia
He’s an independent operator, broadcaster and an Adjunct Professor in the New Zealand Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Unitec, Auckland’s technology tertiary institution and has contributed to several regional economic development projects.
He’s a regular broadcaster on radio and television; a frequent public speaker on business and economic issues and an occasional correspondent for the Financial Times.
Rod & his family emigrated from the UK to New Zealand in 1997. He is currently:
- columnist for the Sunday Star-Times
- correspondent for the Financial Times of London
- a regular broadcaster on radio and television
- former Editor of the Business Herald section of the New Zealand Herald, 1997-2000 ( resigned June 2000)
In the 2004 Qantas Media Awards, Rod was a triple winner as Newspaper Columnist of the Year and Magazine Feature Writer of the Year (both in the business category) and recipient of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s Travel Scholarship in recognition for his writing on NZ innovation.
At the 2006 Westpac Business & Financial Journalism Awards, Rod won the Reporting on Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability or Community Engagement category. Penguin recently published Rod’s book about the New Zealand economy, "Reinventing Paradise" – now selling in both NZ and Australia.
Rod is the 2009 Landcorp Agricultural Communicator of the Year.- the award recognises excellence in communicating agricultural issues, events or information and is made at the annual Fieldays event of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators. It is judged by a nation-wide panel of 10 independent judges.
In 2010 Rod's contribution to business was further recognised at the "Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards" when he was awarded the BDO sponsored "Individal Award". The awards recognise excellence in the field of business support, honouring organisations and individuals that make real contributions in providing quality proudcts and services that make like easier for business owners.
Rod is an inspiring and well researched speaker who can tailor his presentation content to meet specific outcomes.