We are
curious,
honest & committed
Our team are our most valuable investment.
We have searched high and low to find a team which are committed enough to invest, curious enough to innovate, experienced enough to guide, young enough to question and mature enough to respond intelligently.
Tim Oakes
Director
I benefited from good old fashioned parenting with a hard work ethic, accountability and respect for others being instilled at a young age. A favourite saying of my father was this: "If you do something just for money, that's what you will get, just money". As a result I believe in building both businesses and people and place high value on long term relationships, leading by example, helping people realise their full potential and giving back to wider family and community. I also have a strong belief in the need to promote better exercise, nutrition, balanced diets and a healthy lifestyle. These core philosophies are best captured in the quote "People often doubt what you say, but they believe what you do".
James Norris
Director
The passion of food is in my blood. From a very young age I spent hours in my granddad’s bakery, dad’s delicatessen and later mum’s cafe. Looking back that is where I developed a passion for ‘making better happen’. Today it means changing the food industry by bringing back quality ingredients and products so that Kiwis have better options in the pantry, leading to healthier lifestyles. Twelve years on Acorn Group is the vehicle to deliver this passion every day. My daily focus is on driving brands through an internal culture of performance all the while ensuring the business remains curious, honest and committed in what can be a complex industry.
Elliot Keys
General Manager
I love the hustle of FMCG - and with that dynamic environment comes a need to constantly evolve, improve, and discover. Like many people, I have great memories of family gatherings around the dinner table, the barbecue, or the picnic blanket celebrating milestones, traditions, or holidays with their favourite foods as a backdrop. So it's extra special being part of showcasing amazing food brands to Kiwis so they create amazing memories of their own. With a background in commercial finance both in the United Kingdom and Aotearoa New Zealand then nine years building and leading high-performing sales teams I have always actively sought to develop new skills and knowledge sets across my career. Today, Acorn Group is an exciting opportunity to apply everything I’ve experienced and learned.
Prasad Shankar
Finance Manager
After decades of experience working in New Zealand and international businesses, I know that identifying key financial insights helps a business quickly and efficiently realise its potential and optimise opportunities. I ‘make better happen’ by acting proactively and closely with the vibrant Acorn Group team. Also as an advocate for healthy lifestyles, I love the fact that my work contributes to a business and vision that truly walks the talk.
Kate Feek
Brand Manager
I love the challenges and fast pace of the ever-changing and evolving FMCG industry and have worked in Brand Management within the NZ FMCG environment for over 15 years. With a passion for food combined with brands that offer ‘better for you’ options, I feel privileged to present them to New Zealand retailers so that consumers can make better health choices for themselves. Born and raised in the UK, I fell in love with New Zealand’s beautiful coasts and countryside when travelling here, and chose to relocate permanently in 2005. After playing golf and taking my dog on long walks I enjoy spending my spare time discovering new recipes and tastes.
Inge van der Merwe
Assistant Brand Manager
With a background in marketing, international business, and psychology, I ‘make better happen’ by enhancing brand awareness and reputation through highlighting points of difference. Coordinating marketing campaigns & social media, showcasing benefits, international networking, and promoting products to the public are all part of my daily routine. Having grown up around great cooks and bakers means I know my way around the kitchen. I love food and the way food connects people around the world, despite language or cultural barriers. Away from work, I’m usually planning my next overseas adventure to learn more about other people, places, and cuisines.
