Tech leader backs local with formation of technology company

Friday 24 June, 2016

Tech leader backs local with formation of new technology company

Westpac Waikato Business Excellence Awards Leader of the Year, Jason Trower has gone all in on regional business with the formation of a new technology company, consolidating his Waikato and Bay of Plenty businesses.

The newly formed Vo2 Group Limited encompasses Vo2 Waikato (formerly CodeBlue Hamilton), Vo2 Bay of Plenty (formerly CodeBlue Tauranga) and the Hamilton-based Vo2 Software and employs over 50 people.

Trower says the transition to the new Vo2 brand and structure strengthens the group’s ability to support organisations and businesses based in the regions who are operating in a fast-paced global and digital marketplace.

“Establishing the Vo2 Group, provides us the freedom and agility to innovate and grow alongside our customers’ businesses – supporting local networks, strengthening customer service and enabling businesses operating in the regions to optimise digital performance.”

“For some time our customers have been asking us to provide a more local experience - this is something we can now deliver under Vo2 – with a local service desk the first of many new initiatives that demonstrates how we’re now better placed to serve our clients’ business needs.”

Firmly dedicated to the success of the new group, and a sign of his investment and commitment to the regions, Trower has also appointed a group chief executive to lead and support the Vo2 companies.

Garry Johnston will take up the position of group chief executive and will lead Vo2 from 18 July 2016, direct from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa where he is currently the executive director of information technology.

Trower says he is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Johnston who has proven digital experience and the drive to make a real difference to regional businesses in an age of unprecedented, technology-driven change.

“The appointment of Garry was a no-brainer for us, he has strong links with our region, with a young family in the Waikato. Garry also has proven capabilities across all areas of business - he’s been an employee, a contractor, he’s worked across small business, corporate and higher education, run operations that serve millions of customers, owned his own business, and held company directorships.”

“On top of all that, he has a huge amount of technical experience - most recently leading an innovative team through their digital transformation as the executive director of information technology at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, New Zealand’s second largest and only national tertiary education provider, based in Te Awamutu. He has also held senior leadership roles at AlphaOne, Wintec, Optus and Telecom.”

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