We are a young and highly adaptive team, working efficiently and collaboratively to turn around opportunities quickly. We’re hyper-focused on ensuring our projects track to programme and delivering what we promise.
Our Team
With an MBA and a background as an IT and telecommunications executive in China, Leo came to New Zealand to start a property development business in 2014. He manages the Founders team and identifies opportunities for land development, leading the company’s site acquisition. Leo is also a director in Vincent Capital, a development finance company.
Eoin O’Grady has over 19 years’ experience in the banking and finance sector, most recently as Head of Global Capital Markets (London) for AIG Investments. Eoin is particularly experienced in global capital markets, risk, hedging, liquidity, M&A, and core treasury functions.
Eoin moved with his family to Auckland in 2020 but is originally from Ireland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Accounting) honours degree from University College Cork, Ireland, in 2001.
E: eoin.o@foundersgroup.co.nz
P: 021 142 0700
P: 021 142 0700
Simone’s role is end-to-end, from acquiring sites and guiding master planning to delivering value-add outcomes for our build partners. She leads our development team, ensuring they work with speed and efficiency when managing civils and earthworks or engaging with builders and consultants.
Simone brings over 16 years of private and public sector property development experience, with previous roles at Todd Property, Housing New Zealand and The Neil Group.
On Maternity Leave - Contact Christie
Christie is responsible for sales, marketing and operations. She has excellent knowledge of the residential property sector and brings vision and shape to our developments. She loves taking place brands to market and creating new communities and neighborhoods, all while keeping a close eye on the day-to-day operations of the company.
Christie has over 21 years’ experience in the off-plan residential development and has been involved in the marketing of over $1 billion worth of property.
E: christie.w@foundersgroup.co.nz
P: 021 588 525
P: 021 588 525
A chartered accountant, Eric maintains careful financial control of projects and Founders’ financial operations. He ensures funding is in place for the development team and that the company’s financial commitments are met. As well as negotiating development loans, Eric provides key input to project feasibility studies.
E: eric.j@foundersgroup.co.nz
P: 027 551 1853
P: 027 551 1853
As well as looking after Founders’ internal accounting, Andrea manages all the project cost tracking and reporting. She keeps on top of the numbers so that our development team can work with the most up-to-date and accurate numbers available.
On Maternity Leave:
Contact Melinda Ferreira
Melinda.f@foundersgroup.co.nz
027 376 6421
E: andrea.m@foundersgroup.co.nz
P: 021 064 0536
P: 021 064 0536
James looks after the delivery of our developments. Working across the full cycle, he engages with contractors, consultants, and stakeholders such as council officers and local communities. James ensures high-quality design outcomes and build-ready subdivisions, allowing clients to proceed with their build.
James has a financial background and over 10 years’ client-side experience in residential property development across several positions in Auckland and London.
E: james.r@foundersgroup.co.nz
P: 021 982 419
P: 021 982 419
Kent is primarily focused on identifying and acquiring a range of projects for Founders Group. He is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with external parties to ensure Founders remains at the forefront of the industry.
After completing a Bachelor of Property/Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) conjoint at University of Auckland, he spent time in Australia before returning to NZ and working in the development industry for the past 7 years.
E: kent.w@foundersgroup.co.nz
P: 021 750 712
P: 021 750 712
Olivia supports the development management team in the end-to-end delivery of subdivisions. She’s focused on the efficient running of projects, implementing contracts, and engaging with consultants and stakeholders. Olivia thrives on detail and ensuring that everything tracks smoothly.
Olivia has spent 6 years working in the property development industry and recently completed a Masters of Construction Management with Honours.
E: olivia.w@foundersgroup.co.nz
P: 021 186 2927
P: 021 186 2927