Published on the 05/06/2014 | Written by Newsdesk
Mike Bowman, former executive director of Bancorp New Zealand and son of the late Greentree founder Don Bowman, has been appointed to Greentree’s board of directors…
Following the passing of founder Don Bowman last year, the 25-year old homegrown ERP software company needed to fill his seat on its board of directors.
Greentree attributes its success here and overseas to the sound business decisions its board and management have made, just as much as to the technological innovation that it is known for. With that in mind it set out to look for someone with an experienced head for business at boardroom level.
The answer turned out to be right on its doorstep in the shape of Mike Bowman, son of the late Don Bowman.
Mike, 52, has a strong business pedigree himself. He has a BSc and LLB and is a specialist in company and commercial law, banking and finance. He served as a Senior Solicitor at Russell McVeagh and is a former executive director of investment banking company Bancorp New Zealand where he was head of corporate finance. He holds several other directorships including that of Premier Beehive.
Today Mike continues working for Bancorp as a consultant. He’s also an independent investment banking and business advisor, as well as a private investor and company director.
Greentree’s CEO, Peter Dickinson is delighted with the skill and experience that Mike will bring to the Greentree board and the bonus of the continuing family connection.
“Don’s fascination with anything electrical or mechanical saw Mike working on computers from the time he was around 15 years old. Although he did a course in computer programming, Mike decided that his interests lay elsewhere. However, Greentree and its predecessor, CBA, have been part of his life for as long as he can remember.”
Mike said he has always been close to the Greentree and CBA businesses and is pleased to now be more closely involved.
“We were always talking about the latest things that were happening at Greentree, so I suppose I learned a lot by osmosis.
“There’s a real core of innovation in Greentree, which I think goes back to the old man. I’ve been on the sidelines, watching this cool company grow, and I’m honoured to be taking on a role that puts me close to all the brilliant ideas that are being turned into reality.”
