Wayne Vargis

Wayne Vargis is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in leadership and strategic management within various organizations. Currently serving as the Interim Chief Operating Officer and Group Head of Regional Investment at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu since November 2020, Wayne leads efforts to enhance regional investments and achieve blended returns for Ngāi Tahu Whanui. In addition to this role, Wayne is a Board Trustee for Emerge Aotearoa Group and The Ākina Foundation, and previously held the position of Commercial Partnerships Manager at Ngāi Tahu Property Limited. Wayne's background includes strategic advisory roles, focusing on environmental and economic empowerment, and operations management within health initiatives. Wayne holds an Executive MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute, an Executive Program in Social Entrepreneurship from Stanford University, and engineering degrees from the University of Canterbury.