About Us
Meet Our Team
Wealthpoint’s head office is located in Parnell, Auckland. The business has a highly experienced management team, most of whom have operated in the financial services industry for many years.
Leadership Team
Chief Executive
Simon Manning
Simon has been the CEO and a Director of Wealthpoint since the company formed in early 2019. Prior to that, Simon was the CEO of the adviser association that Wealthpoint was formed from.
Simon has worked in the financial services industry for nearly 35 years and is highly experienced across product, distribution, operations and strategy roles. His previous corporate roles include with AMP as General Manager Life Insurance and General Manager Distribution Operations.
Outside of work, Simon is an accomplished sailor who has competed in many national and international events in a range of classes. His lifelong interest in the marine industry has also led to him owning a boat painting and marine services business, Boatspray Ltd since 2008.
Head of Investments
Keri Jenkins
Keri is responsible for the end-to-end investment process, including governance, the Wealthpoint DIMS portfolios, adviser tools and managing external suppliers like asset consultants Makao Investments that provide core services. Keri has broad experience in capital markets, equity research and implementing strategic change. Prior to Wealthpoint, she held senior leadership roles at Fonterra for 8 years, including GM Capital Markets and Investor Relations and was on the investment team at Coronation Fund Managers, one of the top-rated fund managers in South Africa, for 9 years before moving to New Zealand.
Keri has a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics and passed CFA level I and Level II
Outside of work Keri enjoys cooking, reading and spending time at their rural property up north enjoying a beach lifestyle and the outdoors – walking and kayaking.
Head of Strategy and Growth
Mark Nalder
Mark was heavily involved in the establishment of Wealthpoint and helps shape the strategic direction of the business with the CEO, Board and Leadership Team. He has a broad set of responsibilities across the business including delivery of strategic projects and developing new member services to support network growth. He also leads the Data and Technology team and the Marketing and Communications team.
Mark has worked in the financial services industry for over 20 years. He has held senior and executive roles in several large insurance companies and holds the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) qualification in Life, Disability and Health Insurance.
He is a keen runner, skier and gets a lot of enjoyment from mucking around with his classic Land Rover.
Head of People & Professional
Development
Louise Jelly
Louise is responsible for Wealthpoint’s adviser and staff Professional Development, including the provision of recruitment and adviser support to member businesses. Louise has held a number of senior Learning and Professional Development roles including with AMP and most recently where she was Head of Learning and Professional Development for KPMG.
Louise moved to New Zealand from Scotland in 2005 and is proud to be raising two kiwi kids, who are her main source of fun outside of work.
Head of Legal,
Compliance & Conduct
Jack Lynskey
Jack is an experienced lawyer and compliance professional having worked in a wide range of senior legal roles, both in NZ, UK and the Middle East. Jack has worked across many industries, including telecommunications, healthcare and financial services. Prior to joining Wealthpoint, Jack’s most recent role was at a large NZ bank.
When not busy with his young family, Jack is a keen follower of cricket and football and heads to the mountains for some ski touring whenever he can (which, sadly, isn’t very often).
Head of Finance
Arna Harris
Arna is responsible for overseeing Wealthpoint’s financial infrastructure including budgeting, forecasting, member remuneration processes and reporting.
Arna is a Chartered Accountant and experienced financial services professional who has previously spent time as an auditor and a Financial Controller. Arna has held senior financial management roles within the industry, including most recently with Fidelity Life.
Two active boys mean spare time is precious and often spent either reading or on arts and crafts, particularly designing greeting cards. Overseas travel is a favoured activity with Israel a past highlight and Italy planned for the future.
Wealthpoint Staff
Investment Operations Manager
Stella Cheung
Stella Cheung joined Wealthpoint as the Investment Operations Manager in mid-December 2022. Stella has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Bachelor of Property degree…
Investment Operations Support
Zakk Finlay
Zakk’s role is to help set up and maintain client’s investments, rebalance portfolios, provide accurate investment data and information to the management team and…
Business Systems Specialist
Tracie Lee
Tracie’s role is to provide support to Wealthpoint members by implementing systems automations and improvements. Tracie’s Information Technology career spans 37 years and includes…
Adviser Operations Manager
Gillian Hickley
Gillian's role ensures all adviser businesses remuneration is processed seamlessly, business and adviser movements are completed with ease, working closely with businesses to provide…
Accountant
Nelia Van Niekerk
Nelia ensures all the finance processes are completed, including month and year end reporting, day to day processing and everything in between. Reporting to…
Adviser Operations Administrator
Shanthi Varaderajan
Shanthi ensures all adviser businesses remuneration is processed seamlessly and supports business and adviser movements, working closely with businesses to provide them the best…
Senior Compliance Adviser
Kerry Steyn
Since moving to New Zealand in 2007 Kerry has worked in the financial services industry, having worked in compliance for over 10 years. Prior to joining Wealthpoint, Kerry was the Compliance Manager at JBWere.
Kerry enjoys spending time with her two teenage children and catching up with friends. She also has a love of animals, having owned a pet shop in South Africa before moving to New Zealand.
Compliance Adviser
Robbie Gu
Robbie assists advisers to give suitable advice whilst meeting their relevant duties and obligations. Prior to joining Wealthpoint, Robbie was a personal risk insurance adviser and also previously ran a tourism company.
He has completed Financial Services Level 5 in Lending, General Insurance, Investments and Health and Life and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and has passed his CFA Level II exam.
Robbie loves football and has been participating in the local social league for many years in Auckland. In total, he has won three championships, and he says he will continue to train hard so he can fulfil his Premier League dreams.
Investment Operations Manager
Stella Cheung
Stella Cheung joined Wealthpoint as the Investment Operations Manager in mid-December 2022.
Stella has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Bachelor of Property degree from the University of Auckland NZ, and a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from the University of London UK.
After graduating from the University of Auckland, she worked in Hong Kong and Tokyo for HSBC and DBS (Development Bank of Singapore) for over 20 years, covering investment (securities and futures) broking and wealth management, primarily private banking and the high net worth client segment. She relocated back to Auckland in the second half of 2021.
Before joining Wealthpoint, Stella joined Tiger Brokers New Zealand (a NASDAQ-listed global online broker) in 4Q 2021 as their Market and Trade Surveillance Manager.
Investment Adviser Support
Sophia Cich
Sophia is responsible for supporting investment advisers by providing sound product knowledge of model portfolios, managed funds, and investment platforms. Additionally, Sophia is tasked with all investment research and reporting.
Sophia graduated from Santa Clara University (USA) with 4-year dual degrees: a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.
Beyond Wealthpoint, Sophia enjoys spending time at the beach, cooking, traveling, and reading history books.
Investment Operations Support
Zakk Finlay
Zakk’s role is to help set up and maintain client’s investments, rebalance portfolios, provide accurate investment data and information to the management team and ensure compliance.
Zakk graduated from the Victoria University of Wellington with a bachelor’s degree in Commerce majoring in Marketing and International business.
When Zakk’s not in the office he enjoys playing golf, eating food, and walking his dogs.
Head of Insurance and Lending
Evan Cavanagh
Evan is responsible for Life & Health Insurance and Lending at Wealthpoint. This includes management of the supplier relationships, Adviser support and advocacy, assistance with technical issues, and growing the Wealthpoint Life & Health Insurance and Lending propositions.
After initially working in the Health industry, Evan started working in the Insurance and Financial Services Industry 20 years ago. He has held various roles across the industry including Underwriting, Claims, Distribution, and Strategic Account management.
When Evan is not spending time with his wife and 2 daughters, he likes to play Touch Rugby, participate in Pub Quizzes and follow whatever sport is in season (in particular NFL, Rugby and League).
Business Systems Specialist
Tracie Lee
Tracie’s role is to provide support to Wealthpoint members by implementing systems automations and improvements.
Tracie’s Information Technology career spans 37 years and includes over 20 years in the financial sector. After 23 years as an independent IT contractor and software developer, Tracie has found a permanent home with the Wealthpoint team.
Raising four daughters has kept Tracie entertained over the years as they enjoy her passion for the arts and all things performance. She enjoys spending downtime with her family which also includes their three dogs and cat.
Data and Technology Delivery Manager
Gavin Missett
An Engineer at heart, Gavin has built a career applying new technology, knowledge, and practices to deliver solutions for the businesses he works with. He possesses a wide skillset acquired from delivering Cloud SaaS, Mobile, and eCommerce B2C solutions.
A particular highlight for Gavin has been his extensive experience working with NZ Financial Adviser businesses, where he delivered technology solutions to support their sales, compliance, and operational targets.
Outside of work, when he is not running after his two daughters, you'll find him enjoying the outdoors of West Auckland, usually training for a multi-sport event that he completes at a gentlemanly pace.
Helpdesk Support Analyst
Pooja Sharma
Pooja provides technical support to our members and their support staff, primarily assisting with their CRM system. She holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems and has more than 12 years industry experience having worked in several large insurance companies in Adviser Technology Support roles.
Outside of work, Pooja also manages a busy family of three boys and has developed a new passion for organic vegetables, which she enjoys growing in her home garden.
Adviser Operations Manager
Gillian Hickley
Gillian's role ensures all adviser businesses remuneration is processed seamlessly, business and adviser movements are completed with ease, working closely with businesses to provide them the best possible service. She has many years’ experience working in similar adviser support roles, including a long stint with a large life insurer.
Born in South Africa, Gillian and her family now call New Zealand home and enjoy the travelling and outdoor opportunities that exist here. Gillian also restores antique furniture in her spare time.
Accountant
Nelia Van Niekerk
Nelia ensures all the finance processes are completed, including month and year end reporting, day to day processing and everything in between. Reporting to and working closely with the Head of Finance Nelia will be working on audits, reporting, budgeting, receipting or any other money related matter depending on what is happening at that point in time.
Adviser Operations Administrator
Shanthi Varaderajan
Shanthi ensures all adviser businesses remuneration is processed seamlessly and supports business and adviser movements, working closely with businesses to provide them the best possible service. Since coming to NZ she has many years’ experience working in accounts roles, and most recently as in a similar adviser support role with a large life insurer.
Born in India, Shanthi practiced law prior to moving to NZ. She enjoys singing and dancing and is a fabulous cook.
Events Manager
Tanya Turchie
As Wealthpoint’s Events Manager, Tanya plans and manages all our major events. This includes negotiating contracts with event suppliers, assisting with event marketing, monitoring timeframes and budgets, networking and delivering on the event brief objectives.
Tanya has an extensive knowledge in event management with over 25 years of experience, having worked in the oil & gas, medical and financial service industries. Based in Wellington, Tanya enjoys walking the dog, going to the gym, swimming and catching up with friends.
Head of General Insurance
Neil Rossouw
Neil Rossouw is a seasoned financial adviser with almost 2 decades of experience in the General Insurance industry and known for his expertise in navigating the complex landscape of risk management and insurance solutions. As the Head of General Insurance, Neil is responsible for leading the dynamic team in our brokerage, Wealthpoint General Insurance, and managing our direct agency relationships with key insurance partners.
Outside of the office, Neil is an avid advocate for work-life balance, spending most of his time with his wife and two kids. Whether hiking scenic trails, camping, mountain biking, playing a round of golf, he values the experience that recharge his creativity and bring a fresh perspective to his professional endeavours.
Broker - General Insurance
Samantha Kunsakorn
With over a decade of experience in the dynamic New Zealand insurance market, Samantha brings a wealth of industry insights to her role. She holds a New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) qualification, specializing in General Insurance, which further enhances her expertise in the field.
Samantha assumes the responsibility of managing day-to-day operations and ensuring a seamless process for general insurance placement. Her role extends beyond the brokerage as she plays a crucial part in supporting the Wealthpoint network. By offering advice and delivering effective solutions, she manages client engagement on all aspects of their insurance arrangements. Additionally, Samantha organizes product and system training sessions for the purpose of equipping qualified advisers within the Wealthpoint network with the necessary knowledge and expertise to serve their clients.
In 2007, Samantha made the bold decision to relocate from Thailand to New Zealand. Since then, she has embraced her new home with utmost joy. Camping has become a cherished activity for Samantha and her family, one that they enjoy throughout the year. If you find yourself venturing along remote hiking trails towards majestic peaks or serene beaches, there's a good chance you might bump into her.