Ben Kepes

Ben Kepes serves as the Independent Chair of SmartCo Limited and has extensive experience as an Independent Consultant, working internationally with large technology companies. As Managing Director of Cactus Outdoor and various leadership roles including Deputy Chair at Kordia and UniMed, Ben has significantly contributed to the outdoor apparel, technology, and health insurance sectors. Additional board memberships include CORDE Ltd, Pegasus Health, and Paenga Kupenga Limited. Ben is also an active investor in early-stage SaaS and technology companies, with successful exits to publicly listed firms in the US and UK, and has held various board positions spanning numerous organizations since 2005. Based in New Zealand, Ben's work primarily focuses on the US, Europe, and Australia, establishing a reputation as a subject matter expert and thought leader.