The new co-chief executive will work alongside Mark Heine. Photo: Eroad / Supplied
A New Zealand tech company is taking the unusual step of appointing a second chief executive to help run the business.
Transport software firm ERoad has appointed David Kenneson, to work alongside Mark Heine as co-chief executive.
Kenneson would primarily be based in the United States and take responsibility for global sales and marketing, which includes Australia and New Zealand.
Heine would lead the engineering operations, human resources, finance and investor relations, among other things, Paterson said.
Eroad chairperson Susan Paterson said while not common in New Zealand, the dual chief executive model has worked overseas, with one notable example being streaming giant Netflix.
Eroad chairperson Susan Paterson. Photo: Stephen A'Court Photography / Supplied
"Given everything that they've got to do ... [setting] strategic direction, overseeing a multitude of internal decisions, all while, you know, acting as the public face, all those sorts of things, it's a very big role.
"We believe this will make decisions faster, and we'll be able to move faster because you'll be able to split the time of the CEO. You'll have two people to go to instead of just one," Paterson said.
She said the two chief executives would have their roles clearly defined, but would work together.
"We've worked out who's got the best skill sets and which areas. [We've] worked out what will be the right roles and responsibilities. So they have their own swim lanes, but they will be absolutely joined at the hip."
Paterson believed it could be a model for other New Zealand companies to follow, but accepted it would not work for everyone.
Heine said having a co-chief executive would help grow its international markets, especially in North America.
"I took the rationale for a dual-CEO to the board, and they agreed and helped with the architecting of the dual-roles and the governance changes required," he said.
"Having worked with David and seen how he operates, I knew he was the right person - we are fully aligned on the future for Eroad, and how to get there."
