Xero is a New Zealand domiciled public software company that offers a cloud-based accounting software platform for small and medium-sized businesses.

Information Technology

Xero

Colin Timmis is the country manager for South Africa, leading business operations and growth across the country for the last three years. He joined Xero in 2016 as head of accounting, South Africa. Colin has over 12 years of experience in the accounting profession and has expertise in cloud accounting software implementation, development and best practice. In 2011 he founded South Africa’s first ever cloud practice, Real Time Accounting, and later became the first certified Xero advisor in South Africa. Colin has also worked at global accounting firm BDO and is a SAIPA certified accountant.



Colin Timmis

Kirsty leads [Xero](/org/xero)’s global financial team, driving financial outcomes, actively managing the group’s financial performance, optimizing the business's balance sheet and communicating the group’s strategic and financial priorities to key stakeholders, including investors. She also has management of [Xero](/org/xero)’s global facilities team. Kirsty is a Chartered Accountant with 25 years’ experience in the finance and technology sectors both in private practice and commercial technology roles. Kirsty holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Management degree from [Lincoln University](/org/lincoln-university).

Kirsty Godfrey-Billy

Ben is responsible for driving Xero’s growth in the United States. In 2013, he joined Xero as New Zealand sales director where he led the business' national growth and spearheaded Xero's global agriculture strategy. Prior to joining Xero, Ben worked in a large regional accounting practice before joining New Zealand's largest telecommunications company in a senior accounting role. He was also one of the founding board members of the Spark Foundation. Ben is a chartered accountant and earned a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting, Finance and Information Systems from the University of Canterbury.



Ben Richmond

Anna leads [Xero](/org/xero)’s product teams, spearheading product management, development, design, and product marketing to bring more exciting [Xero](/org/xero) features to partners and small businesses. Anna has a wealth of experience in online financial services and operations. Before joining [Xero](/org/xero) as managing director for New Zealand in 2016, Anna led internet banking at ASB and the digital first strategy at Spark. Anna has a bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate diploma in commerce from the [University of Auckland](/org/university-of-auckland).

Anna Curzon

Koren was appointed regional director, Asia in 2022. She is responsible for driving Xero's growth in Asia, working closely with leading financial institutions and governments in the region to bring value to the small business and partner community. Koren joined Xero as senior partner marketing manager in 2017, establishing Xero’s global sales enablement function, and has since held other global leadership positions at Xero. Prior to joining Xero, she was chief operating officer at DCCS Australia. Koren holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology) from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne.



Koren Wines

Will was appointed country manager, Australia in 2022 following other leadership roles at Xero including three years as country manager for Canada. As country manager, he is responsible for supporting the small business economy in Australia and for Xero’s relationships with the Australian government, financial institutions, and enterprise. Will joined Xero in 2015 working in the Australian commercial finance team, before being appointed finance director in the US and assisting with the launch of Xero in Canada. Prior to joining Xero, he held commercial finance roles at Lion and Woolworths. He has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from the University of Technology, Sydney.



Will Buckley

Bridget is the country manager for New Zealand, responsible for overseeing the execution of New Zealand’s go-to-market strategy, revenue, market share, and advancing Xero’s brand as a leading small business platform. She has over ten years of experience across global financial services, technology, and media. Prior to Xero, Bridget held various strategic marketing and leadership positions at TVNZ, Orion Health and ANZ. Bridget holds a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Law, with Honours in Media Law, from the University of Auckland.



Bridget Snelling

Alex von Schirmeister is the Managing Director, UK & EMEA at [Xero](/org/xero). Alex was previously an Executive Vice President, Europe at [SumUp](/org/sumup), and before that they were a Member of Innovation Council at CBI (Confederation of British Industry). Before joining RS Components, they were the Chief Digital, Technology & Innovation Officer at electrocomponents plc (ECM.L), where they oversaw the company's digital transformation. Alex has also served on the UK Advisory Board / Client Council for Facebook, and on the eBay International AG Board of Directors.

Alex von Schirmeister's educational career includes obtaining an MBA from [INSEAD](/org/insead), a BS in International Business from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, and an Abitur / CCH from Colegio Aleman Alexander von Humboldt. Alex also holds certifications from the Wine Scholar Guild in Spanish Wine Scholar and French Wine Scholar, and from the WSET — Wine & Spirit Education Trust in WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.

Alex von Schirmeister works with Damien Tampling - Chief Strategy & Corporate Development Officer, Mark Cross - Non-executive Director, and Rachael Powell - Chief Customer Officer. Alex von Schirmeister reports to Steve Vamos, CEO.

Alex von Schirmeister

Richard Fortune

David Emmerman

Independent Director since April 2020

Mark is a professional director with more than 20 years of international experience in corporate finance and investment banking. Mark is currently a non-executive director of dual-listed ASX/NZX businesses Chorus and [Z Energy](/org/z-energy) and is Chair of Milford Asset Management. 

Mark was at [Deutsche Bank](/org/deutsche-bank) for 10 years, initially based in Sydney as Director, Mergers and Acquisitions then in London with [Deutsche Bank](/org/deutsche-bank) AG Group as Managing Director, Co-Head European Mergers and Acquisitions for Natural Resources. Mark holds a Bachelor of Business Studies degree from Massey University New Zealand, is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and is a chartered member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Audit and Risk Management Committee

Mark Cross

Lee has extensive commercial experience across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US. After moving to Australia in 2012 to lead NAB’s Group Regulatory function, in 2015 Lee became the Chief Executive Officer of UBank where she is accountable for the business’s strategy and performance. Lee believes creating a growth culture, centerd on customers, is the true disruptor of companies, and she has led large distribution teams throughout her career leveraging this philosophy. Recognized for her collaboration abilities and experience blending technology innovation and financial services, Lee is also an executive director of NAB Ventures and a non-executive director of BLD Group Pty Ltd. Lee is involved in the community and enjoys mentoring individuals, especially in relation to the future of work.

Lee Hatton

Susan is an experienced independent director on both ASX and NZX listed companies. She is currently an independent director of Trustpower, Vista Group, Property for Industry, and [ASB Bank](/org/asb-bank). Susan is a member of the New Zealand Markets Disciplinary Tribunal, was a past Ministerial Appointee to The National Advisory Council for the Employment of Women, and is a Board member of nonprofit Global Women (NZ). Susan is founding co-chair and a shareholder in fast-growing health and wellness start-up company Organic Initiative Limited.

Susan Peterson

Nicole leads [Xero](/org/xero)’s people experience function globally. As an established human resources leader, she has more than 20 years’ experience in human resources strategy development and execution, delivering value-adding organizational people solutions and transformational change programs. Nicole has worked across the financial services, technology and telecommunications industries for companies including AMP and Microsoft.

Nicole Reid

David Thodey AO is a business leader focused on innovation, technology and telecommunications, with more than 30 years of experience creating brand and shareholder value. He is currently chairman of Australia’s national scientific research agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO).

David is a non-executive board director of [Ramsay Health Care](/org/ramsay-health-care-ltd), a global hospital group, and [Tyro](/org/tyro-payments-ltd),  Australia’s only independent EFTPOS banking institution. From 1 September 2019, David will also join the board of Vodafone Group Plc. He also sits on various advisory boards. 

David had a successful executive career as CEO of [Telstra](/org/telstra), a significant Australian telecommunications and information services company and as CEO of IBM Australia and New Zealand. In 2017, David was made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

David Thodey AO

Rachael is responsible for [Xero](/org/xero)’s global sales, marketing, communications, and customer functions globally. Throughout her career she has held leadership positions in marketing, sales and HR, predominantly in digital and technology companies. Rachael believes customer experience must resonate from the inside-out and advocates for positive engagement programs to effectively mobilise the business strategy at scale. She has a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology, a Masters in Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Business.

Rachael Powell

Chris leads the global growth and operational performance of [Xero](/org/xero)'s Applications & Services businesses, including Financial Services, Payroll, Planday, and [Ecosystem](/org/ecosystem) teams. He also leads [Xero](/org/xero)'s strategic development in the Americas. With over 25 years of experience, Chris has served as an executive and board member for many global technology companies, including Google and [Evernote](/org/evernote). Chris holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Huron University College.

Chris O'Neill

Brian is a professional director who has extensive experience from his career as an executive and CEO driving growth and innovation for leading technology, software-as-a-service and cloud-based companies. His experience includes leading Pandora Media, a streaming music provider in the US, and aQuantive, a digital marketing services and technology company that was acquired by Microsoft.

Brian currently is a non-executive director of Frontdoor Inc., a platform for home services and is Presiding Director on the board of The New York Times. He was previously a director of Chewy Inc, Grubhub Inc and Teladoc Health Inc.

Brian has been included in the National Association of Corporate Directors Directorship 100, which recognizes the most influential board members.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Economics from Harvard College and a Masters in Business Administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. 

Audit and Risk Management Committee.



Brian Mcandrews

James Rawlings

Damien is a legal and governance professional and leader with more than 20 years’ experience advising senior management and boards. Prior to joining Xero Damien was Company Secretary and Deputy Group General Counsel at Telstra. Damien holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons.) and a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University. He is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Damien Coleman

Mark leads the platform, security, data and automation teams at Xero and is responsible for enabling Xero’s technology platform for growth and innovation. Before joining Xero, Mark was the chief technology officer for Microsoft New Zealand and the chief product and technology officer for Trade Me. Mark has a PhD and bachelor of science in chemistry from the University of Canterbury.

Mark Rees

Joseph was appointed managing director in July 2021, after joining [Xero](/org/xero) as executive general manager of sales in 2019. Joseph is responsible for driving [Xero](/org/xero)’s next phase of growth in Australia and Asia. He has worked in roles across a range of sectors in Australia, the UK, the US and Canada. Before joining [Xero](/org/xero), he was the chief commercial officer at [REA Group](/org/rea-group). Joseph is a member of the Institute of Company of Directors in Australia, and has a Bachelor of Management focused in marketing from [University of South Australia](/org/university-of-south-australia).

Joseph Lyons

Steve Vamos, Chief Executive Officer of [Xero](/org/xero), leads the global growth and performance of the business. With more than 30 years’ experience in global technology and digital media, Steve has worked in leading international businesses, including Apple, IBM and Microsoft. Steve also led the growth of ninemsn, an online media business, from start-up to industry leader as company’s Chief Executive Officer. Steve holds a degree in Civil Engineering (with Honors) from the University of New South Wales, Australia.

Steve Vamos

Faye Pang is the Country Manager of Canada at Xero. 

Pang will oversee the planning and execution of Xero’s go-to-market strategy in Canada, help increase market share, and advance Xero’s position as a leading cloud accounting software provider.



Faye Pang

Dale is a technology entrepreneur and growth-company advisor. Dale co-founded mobile pioneer Omega Logic in 1999, which co-launched prepay top-ups in the UK. She led the growth of top-up transactions to £450m within five years, generating net revenue of £25 million. After selling the company in a trade sale, she turned to investing and advising start-ups and won the British Angel Investor of the Year award in 2011. Dale is currently a Europe Beachheads advisor for NZTE, a non-executive director at The Cranemere Group Ltd, and a board advisor to [Seedrs](/org/seedrs). She was formerly a non- executive director and Trustee for the Peter Jones Foundation and a non-executive director at Sussex Place Ventures and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills. She served on the Business Taskforce on EU Redtape for the British Prime Minister in 2013.

Dale Murray

Steven is an entrepreneur and professional director with more than 25 years’ experience in product development within the technology and accounting software industries. Steven is currently a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Blucora, a provider of technology-enabled financial solutions. 

Steven has held a range of senior executive roles, including at GoDaddy, the world’s largest services platform for entrepreneurs, where most recently he was Chief Product Officer. Prior to this, Steven was the CEO of Outright, an online bookkeeping service, which was acquired by GoDaddy. Steven has also held various senior management roles at Intuit, including Vice President of Strategy and Innovation for the small business division. Steven holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from the University of North Carolina and an MBA from Stanford University.

Steven Aldrich

For more than a decade, Rod led [Xero](/org/xero) from humble beginnings with four employees working in a Wellington apartment to a global software business and S&P/ASX 100 company. Rod remains [Xero](/org/xero)’s largest shareholder. Rod started his career at Ernst & Young and went on to establish and lead a number of innovative technology businesses. Rod was an independent director on the NZX Board and the Trade Me Board. At the Deloitte Top 200 Awards in 2017, Rod was named Visionary Leader of the Year. He was named Ernst & Young New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013, and is a member of the New Zealand Hi-Tech Hall of Fame.

Rod Drury

Damien leads [Xero](/org/xero)’s global strategy and corporate development teams, and oversees [Xero](/org/xero)’s strategic planning activities through the Integration Management Office and the Project Manager Office. Prior to joining [Xero](/org/xero), Damien spent 13 years at Deloitte in a number of senior executive roles. He holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (and its equivalent in Singapore), is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds a Bachelor of Business from [RMIT University](/org/rmit-university), Melbourne.

Xero

Org chart

Teams

Leadership Team

CEO and Executive Team

Board of Directors

Founding Team

Nine and Three-Quarters

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