New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has appointed entrepreneur Claudia Batten as its Regional Director for North America.
Claudia, who has spent over 15 years in the technology sector, will oversee key relationships across the US, Canada and Mexico and will be responsible for operations in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington DC, Vancouver and Mexico City. She will take up her new role full-time in Los Angeles at the end of March.
Claudia was part of the founding team of Massive, a first of its kind network for advertising in video games which was sold to Microsoft in 2006. In 2009, she co-founded Victors & Spoils, the first advertising agency built on the principles of crowdsourcing. French company Havas bought a majority interest in the agency in 2012.
Claudia is a regular speaker on digital innovation, digital media and building businesses for the future. She is passionate about New Zealand claiming its place in the digital world and participates regularly with NZ Inc. In 2014, she was the youngest ever recipient of the prestigious “World Class New Zealand Supreme Award” in recognition for her achievements and her work inspiring the entrepreneurial ecosystem in New Zealand.
Tim Green, General Manager International, at NZTE said: “We’re very excited to have Claudia join us. She is an entrepreneur who’s had major success on the world stage, and will bring great experience and a fresh perspective. She will also challenge us in a positive way as we seek to create more impact for our customers. She will be leading a great North America team into an even stronger position and further boost our support for companies.”
Claudia said: “From my home in the US I have been an advocate for growing New Zealand businesses to international greatness. I have been working with start-ups in various capacities; mentoring, advising and participating at a board level. The North American market has been my home for 13 years and I have built two great businesses here. To help other businesses find their way in this dynamic and fast-paced market is my passion. I see many opportunities for game changing and I cannot wait to get started."
