Congrats Derek (Chief) on 20 Years with Apollo!

After 20 years with Apollo, Derek (or ‘Chief’ as he’s known around here) has seen the business grow from a small, hands-on operation into the successful company it is today.

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I’m Christchurch born and raised and have always been a big sports enthusiast. I played senior and representative hockey for many years and was involved with Selwyn Hockey Club in various roles, including as Treasurer.

Like so many Kiwis, I headed off on an OE to the UK in the late 1970s before returning home to Christchurch at the end of 1982.

In 1979, after seven years part time study, I became a Chartered Accountant and worked in a range of senior financial roles in various industries, including paper wholesaling, grocery, retail and veterinary supplies. Some of the businesses I worked with included Rattrays, Kathmandu and NZ Vet.

My wife Louise and I also have two adult lads who are both living in Christchurch. Outside of work, I enjoy biking, fishing, whitebaiting, supporting Arsenal, following sport in general, and seeing the world via cruise ships.

What role did you have when you first started with Apollo and what do you remember most about it?

I first joined Apollo in 2001 as a self-employed contract accountant working part-time, only a few months after the business started. In 2006, following Apollo’s purchase of Agrispan Group (Spantech Buildings), I came on board full-time.

Over the years my role has been incredibly varied, covering finance, tax, governance, procurement, IT and vehicle management. The variety, adventures and the personalities at Apollo have been a major factor in my staying with Apollo for such a long time. There’s always been something different happening.

What has changed the most at Apollo since you started?

When I look back, one of the biggest changes has been the growth of the business itself. In the early days Apollo had a very flat structure, with Paul and Wags (our two Exec Directors) across everything. As the company has grown, a more structured management environment has naturally grown alongside it.

What has kept you at Apollo for the last 20 years? What are some of the highlights?

One of the things I’ve loved most is the diverse range of businesses and projects connected to Apollo over the years. From dairy sheds and construction companies through to pools, roof safety systems, gyms, water infrastructure, jet boats, aircraft and property developments, there’s never been a dull moment.

But more than anything, it’s the people that have made the biggest impression on me. The Apollo crew have always been great to work with – great personalities and heaps of fun!

Over 20 years, I’ve accumulated so many amazing experiences and funny memories. Lunchtime bike rides, HIT training sessions, marmite-gate, annual strategy trips to Glenfalloch, team functions, Abel Tasman adventures, Queenstown weekends, Nelson Lakes, Great Barrier trips, Motatapu Challenge, and even helping put the roof on the Ron Guthery office (plus the garden layout!) all stand out as core memories.

What achievement or moment are you most proud of during your time here?

I’m particularly proud of helping manage Apollo’s finances through periods of significant growth, and also of bringing some great people into the business over the years. Kate and Gillian have managed to put up with me for a long time!

What’s one of the biggest things you’ve learned about yourself over the last 20 years?

I’ve learned many things, but at Apollo, one thing that really stands out is that having fun and working hard as a team are not mutually exclusive.