NZB to Expand its Australian Presence

Following on the back of an increased Australian spend at last week’s 2015 National Yearling Sales Series, New Zealand Bloodstock has announced its commitment to growing its valuable Australian market by appointing Mike Kneebone to a new role as Director of Business Development based in Sydney.

Mike Kneebone

NZB’s Co-Managing Director Petrea Vela says this is a step towards further enhancing NZB’s ties with its biggest export partner.

“Australia is an enormously important market to New Zealand, not just from a sales perspective but also in the critical interdependency both nations share across their racing and breeding endeavours,” commented Vela.

“With Mike’s move we can see opportunity for it to be even further enhanced for the benefit of our clients on both sides of the Tasman. Mike has done a tremendous job in Asia over the past 18 years with the company, and this move won’t take away any of our focus from our valued Asia markets.”

Mike Kneebone and his family have been based in Singapore for the past six years where he has established a strong brand presence for NZB throughout the Asian region.

“Our original strategic plan to develop our international markets with a strong day-to day presence started successfully in Singapore, and moves into the next phase with my move to Sydney,” says Kneebone.

“Our plan is to continue to enhance our service to our Asia-based clients, while taking our servicing of our Australian clients to the next level.”

Mike will head up NZB’s five-man team in Australia which consists of Victorian Representative Brent Thomson, NSW Representative Richard Haynes, and three Airfreight Operations personnel - Phil Rees, Josh Murphy and Steven Seabrook - all based in Sydney.

“I have loved my time in Singapore and am leaving there confident we have laid a great foundation to continue to develop ties with our valued clients and friends throughout the region. Asia will still fall within my field of responsibility and I will continue to make several trips a year to ensure we are providing the high level of service our clients have come to expect from us.”

Mike will start to build his presence in Australia immediately, with his family moving to Sydney full time from 1 August.