Corporate mentoring platform Mentor List launched its invitation-only Mastermind program in New Zealand on September 1, 2026, under the leadership of Chair Richard Umbers, according to Yahoo Finance Singapore. The Auckland-based executive sessions begin on September 17, 2026, targeting C-suite leaders across the country through confidential peer groups.
Expansion into New Zealand Follows Regional Growth
The New Zealand launch extends Mentor List’s Asia-Pacific footprint following established operations in Australia since 2015 and a recent community rollout in Singapore, according to Yahoo Finance Singapore. Co-founder Jack Karikas stated that the New Zealand business community is close-knit and ambitious, creating a strong appetite for structured peer mentoring.
The program holds regular confidential sessions in Auckland chaired by Umbers. According to Mentor List, early interest among senior leaders has been robust, demonstrating demand for experience-led professional development.
Leadership and Background of Richard Umbers
Richard Umbers brings more than three decades of executive experience across New Zealand, Australia, and Europe to his role as Group Chair of the New Zealand Mastermind. He most recently served as Group Chief Executive Officer of retirement living operator Ryman Healthcare, as detailed by Mentor List.
His executive career includes managing director roles for Aldi in the Northwest UK and Ireland and Countdown in New Zealand, and CEO and MD of Myer in Australia. Umbers also served as CEO of StarTrack and Executive General Manager of Parcels at Australia Post, alongside a tenure as Director of Buying at Kaufland International. He currently works as a board director and advisor, holding a non-executive directorship at RACQ and serving as a Beachhead Advisor for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
“The best leaders never stop learning, and they rarely learn alone,” Umbers said, according to Yahoo Finance Singapore. He noted that his own career benefited from candid conversations with peers who shared lived experiences.
Guest Mentors and Program Structure
Mastermind members gain direct access to guest mentors drawn from executive ranks across Australia and New Zealand. Confirmed guest mentors include former Xero CEO Steve Vamos and technology executive Pip Marlow, whose career includes Microsoft and Salesforce, according to Yahoo Finance Singapore.
These mentors share practical experiences of leading organizations at the highest level rather than sticking solely to management theory. The invitation-only format focuses on fostering honesty among participating chief executives.
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