Who we are
The EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association) has lit the pathway of opportunity for Aotearoa businesses since 1886. As the unapologetic champions of kiwi ambition, we advocate for employers and arm them with the training, wisdom, and connections to secure their future.
In collaboration with our nationwide network including BusinessNZ, Business Central, Business Canterbury, and Business South, we represent and support over 76,000 Member companies.
We arm New Zealand business with knowledge, wisdom and connections
We have a long track record of supporting and mentoring New Zealand business.
We’re your inside advantage, your trusted guide, your biggest supporter.
EMA mission
To inspire and instill belief in the ingenuity and industry of New Zealand business. As champions of commercial ambition and acumen, we use our insights and expertise to make the connections that will create the greatest opportunities and growth for a business, its people, and its community.
Sustainability
The EMA is committed to this journey with a Board-approved sustainability strategy and policy. We are proud to have Toitū carbon zero certification and we have made the switch to a cleaner fleet of nine hybrid and four electric vehicles. Our city headquarters nurtures a beehive onsite, and as partners with the Sustainable Business Council, we are committed to delivering positive impacts to our environment and community.
We also share the knowledge through our Business Growth and on demand courses to support businesses on their own sustainability journey. Find out more by downloading our Learning Directory.
EMA Locations
Auckland
- 145 Khyber Pass Road Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Private Bag 92066 Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142
Hamilton
- 8A Melody Lane Ruakura, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
- PO Box 490 Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240
Rotorua
- Level 1 Trinity House, 1268 Haupapa Street, Rotorua 3010
- New Zealand PO Box 7411, Rotorua 3042
Tauranga
- Smart Business Centre, 65 Chapel Street, Tauranga 3110
- New Zealand PO Box 13 202, Tauranga 3141
EMA Leadership Team
Brett O'Riley
Brett O’Riley is the Chief Executive of the EMA, having commenced in that role in January 2019. He is a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington, with post graduate qualifications from MIT (Boston) and Singularity University (San Jose).
Brett returned to New Zealand from Australia in 2009 and has spent the last 10 years dedicated to the goal of growing the New Zealand innovation eco-system, as founding CE of NZICT, founding deputy CE of the Ministry of Science + Innovation, and recently as Chief Executive of Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development, Auckland’s economic growth agency until September 2017.
Prior to that Brett worked in the telecommunications and IT sectors for 20 years in New Zealand and internationally. Prior to joining the EMA Brett worked as a Director and Advisor to organisations with a common goal, connecting them with international markets and opportunities. Brett will continue to be involved with some of these including directorships of Dotterel Technologies, Wine Grenade and the New Zealand Film Commission, and he also serves as the independent chair of the Hapi Brewing Success PGP project.
Paul O'neil
Head of Legal, Consultancy & General Counsel
SIMON DEVOY
Head of Membership
LISA DEAN
Head of Marketing & Communications
Paul O'Neil
Head of Legal, Consultancy & General Counsel
Paul O’Neil is the Head of Legal, Consultancy and General Counsel at the Employers and Manufacturers Association and he commenced this role in December 2022. Paul leads the EMA’s Legal and Consulting teams in their delivery of business advice and assistance throughout various regions in New Zealand. Prior to this, he was Deputy Chief Executive Operations and General Counsel at the Serious Fraud Office overseeing their financial crime investigation and prosecution work and before that was the Head of Enforcement at the Financial Markets Authority. Paul has represented New Zealand on various international committees relating to fraud, corruption and financial crime generally . He previously worked in private practice as a litigator at law firms in both New Zealand and London across a wide range of practice areas, including regulatory investigations and proceedings, energy, construction and telecommunications. Paul holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Auckland.
Simon Devoy
Head of Membership
With a strong background in strategic leadership and stakeholder management, Simon plays a key role in driving membership growth and engagement within the EMA. Prior to joining EMA, Simon held leadership positions in various industries, including sports administration, HR and banking. His leadership roles at both Auckland and New Zealand Rugby unions, showcased his ability to deliver key objectives and foster community engagement. Simon's expertise in HR, finance and operations, gained during his tenure at the Bank of New Zealand, further enhances his strategic approach to Leading the Membership Team. Simon holds a degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Waikato, As the Head of Membership, Simon Devoy brings extensive experience, strategic insight, and a passion for communities to EMA, supporting member businesses in achieving their goals and fostering a vibrant membership community.
Lisa Dean
Head of Marketing & Communications
Lisa is the Head of Marketing & Communications, having started with the EMA in January 2023. She is a graduate of the University of Waikato with a degree in Management & Marketing. Lisa is a marketing and communications leader with more than 20 years’ experience driving growth and brand awareness through strategic omni channel campaigns. Lisa has a strong background in B2B marketing and a proven track record of success working in New Zealand and internationally with companies like: Sovereign, 3M, Fletcher Merchants, Z Energy and Vodafone. As the Head of Marketing and Communications Lisa is responsible for developing and implementing the EMA’s marketing strategy to improve awareness of the EMA, drive growth and deliver member value.
Omima Alsafwani
Head of People & Support Services
Alan McDonald
Head of Advocacy, Finance & Strategy
Raymond SkoglUND
Head of Services & Operations
Omima Alsafwani
Head of People & Support Services
Omima is responsible for shaping the people strategy and architecture to align with the EMA’s transformational business objectives, and to create an agile workforce capable of adapting and supporting continuous change. She has experience in senior roles in consultancy, with Goodman Fielder, Fonterra and at Drake International. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Canterbury.
Alan McDonald
Head of Advocacy, Finance & Strategy
Alan McDonald is the Head of Advocacy and Strategy for the EMA. Alan’s role is to set and guide the policy agenda for the EMA and lobby both central and local government on behalf of the organisation. He also oversees ExportNZ in the Upper North Island with oversight of regional operations in Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. He has a background in corporate and public affairs especially in developing and implementing large scale campaigns to effect significant industry change or achieve critical business goals.
Raymond Skoglund
Head of Services & Operations
Raymond has more than 30 years’ experience in the IT industry managing business growth, exceeding sales targets, and establishing new business. A key strength is his ability to create and drive sales strategies to secure new market segments, while maintaining the ongoing growth of the existing business and establishing new, long-lasting relationships. He joined the EMA as he relishes working in an organisation that is passionate about making a difference, fosters a culture of innovation, strives to deliver to outcomes and provides the highest level of member satisfaction. He takes great pride in what he does and derives personal satisfaction from helping organisations understand how they can transform their business. In addition to working first in sales and then as part IBM’s New Zealand-based Executive Team, Raymond, has worked with NZTE and run his own consultancy.
