Brian Karlson

Brian Karlson has worked in a variety of roles in the business and academic sectors for nearly two decades. In 2001, they began their career as a Project Leader at The Trade Commission of Denmark. In 2002, they moved to Zyberland as a Marketing Coordinator. In 2003, they took on the role of Marketing Director at Hackers NZ and P. Design Ltd. and in 2004, they began lecturing at The University of Auckland. In 2011, they became the Programme Director for the Master of Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Auckland Business School. Brian also took on the role of Professional Teaching Fellow and Course Director for Project in Commercialisation. In 2015, they participated in the 500 Startups Accelerator Program. In 2016, they founded Transfervans, an Uber-style service for bulky deliveries, which they exited in 2020. In 2008, they co-founded Transfercar, an online relocation service helping rental car companies in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand find relocation drivers. Transfercar services more than 150 rental car operators and attracts thousands of visitors.

Brian Karlson's education history includes a PhD from The University of Auckland in University-Industry relationships from 2005 to 2010, a Master Degree from Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark in International Marketing from 1999 to 2003, a Bachelor from Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark in Business Administration from 1996 to 1999, and a College from Nyborg-Kerteminde Business College in Business from 1992 to 1995.