Booster appoints executive director

A former Black Cap, New Zealand cricket selector and Wellington Firebirds head coach has been appointed executive director at financial services firm Booster.

Thursday, June 6th 2019, 12:16PM

Bruce Edgar will focus on the growing wholesale investor market, following increased investor interest in Booster’s Tahi fund, which has made significant investments in the horticulture sector in the past two years, and the New Zealand Innovation Booster, which invests through a partnership with Viclink in world-leading university research and start-ups.

Previously an independent director of Booster and the chair of Booster’s Audit Risk and Compliance Committee, Edgar already has in-depth knowledge of the business.

“I’m looking forward to using the blend of skills I harnessed in both top-level sport and commerce at Booster. I’ll be working to generate strong partnerships with wholesale investors and leveraging my experience in governance, client focus and business development,” he said.

“Booster has a unique investment story. I’m excited about bringing wholesale investors in to support innovative New Zealand companies in sectors where we can make an impact, such as horticulture and specialist manufacturing.

“These investment opportunities are also proving popular with high net worth individuals. We are positioned to assist this group in strengthening their portfolios while channelling capital into growth areas of the New Zealand economy. It’s a real win-win.”

Edgar has wide experience as a consultant in the financial services sector, including asset management, corporate governance, business relationship management and risk management for organisations such as global fund manager BlackRock, Premia Partners, State Street Global Advisers, National Australia Bank and Bank of New Zealand.

He is currently chair of the NZ Rugby Players’ Savings Scheme Advisory Panel and the Cricketers’ Retirement Fund, and has served as director and trustee on a variety of boards.

While Edgar is New Zealand-focused, he brings Trans-Tasman experience from his nine years in Australia working across the financial services sector and in cricket coaching roles. In an international capacity as a former Black Cap, he played 39 Test Matches and 64 One Day Internationals.

Tags: Booster