Wellington continues to thrive as a hub of technological innovation, boasting an array of talented individuals leading the charge in diverse IT fields. This curated list of 11 local professionals highlights those shaping the city’s digital landscape, driving change, and making significant contributions across various sectors.
1. Scott Houston: Driving Innovation at Wētā FX
Scott Houston serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Wētā FX, Wellington’s world-famous visual effects studio. He leads the technological advancements that power groundbreaking visual effects for global blockbusters, ensuring the studio stays at the cutting edge of the industry.
Picture source: linkedin/scott-houston
2. Andy Prow – CEO, RedShield Security
A leader in cybersecurity, Andy Prow spearheads RedShield Security’s innovative approach to web application protection, serving clients globally with award-winning solutions. His contributions make him a cornerstone of Wellington’s tech reputation.
Picture source: itsnz.org/speaker/andy-prow
3. Frances Valintine
Frances Valintine, founder of Mind Lab and Tech Futures Lab, has made a significant impact in education and technology in Wellington. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between education and tech innovation, empowering individuals to thrive in the digital era.
Picture source: wikipedia
4. Alyona Medelyan
A prominent figure in artificial intelligence, Alyona Medelyan co-founded Thematic, a Wellington-based company specialising in AI-driven text analytics. She has been recognised globally for her work, further cementing Wellington’s reputation as a hub for tech entrepreneurship and AI development
Picture source: linkedin/alyona-medelyan
5. Fiona Reid – CEO, Somar Digital
As the head of Somar Digital, Fiona focuses on user-centred design to transform digital services. Her team works with government and private sectors to make online experiences more accessible.
Picture source: linkedin.com/fiona-reid
6. Erik Zydervelt – CEO, Mevo
Founder of Mevo, Erik leads New Zealand’s first climate-positive car-sharing network, blending tech and sustainability to redefine urban mobility in Wellington.
Picture source: linkedin.com/erik-zydervelt
7. John McDermott
A key figure in Wellington’s IT landscape, John McDermott is a senior executive with significant influence in IT strategy and cloud-based solutions. He has contributed to innovative projects across local businesses and government agencies, making a substantial impact on digital transformation initiatives in the region
Picture source: linkedin.com/john-mcdermott
8. Victoria MacLennan – CEO, IT Professionals New Zealand
Victoria champions IT education and industry collaboration, ensuring a skilled and connected workforce for Wellington’s thriving tech sector.
Picture source: linkedin/victoria-maclennan
9. Ben Roberts – Cloud Architect
Ben specialises in complex cloud migrations for government agencies in Wellington. His work ensures secure and scalable solutions, particularly in hybrid cloud frameworks, making him a trusted expert in public sector IT transformations.
Picture source: linkedin/ben-roberts
10. James Hunter – Cybersecurity Strategist
James leads Wellington City Council’s efforts to protect municipal systems from cyber threats. His proactive strategies have significantly improved the city’s digital security posture.
Picture source: linkedin/ james-hunter
11. Emily Henlein
As the Executive General Manager of Design at Xero, Emily Henlein champions user-centred design, fostering creativity and problem-solving within one of Wellington’s most influential tech companies. She values customer-focused approaches and leads innovative design initiatives.
Picture source: www.m2woman.com
Conclusion
These 11 professionals epitomise the vibrancy and innovation of Wellington’s IT sector. Their contributions, ranging from fintech and cybersecurity to AI and urban tech, demonstrate the region’s capability to lead in digital transformation. As they continue to push boundaries, Wellington remains firmly on the map as a tech powerhouse.