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Chris Clarke - CEO

Born in Christchurch, Chris Clarke graduated from Canterbury University in 1986 with bachelor's degrees in commerce and law. He has had a varied career in the New Zealand health sector, plus experience working in Europe with the World Health Organisation. From 2003 to February 2009, he was CEO of the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board.

Commenting on his appointment in January 2010, Mr Clarke said: "I am delighted and humbled by this opportunity. World Vision is a household name and I am struck by the great affection and respect New Zealanders have for World Vision and its development work internationally.

"We are on the cusp of a unique period in history. For the first time the world community has the technology, know how and capacity to eradicate extreme poverty. The question is: do we have the moral and political will? I am looking forward to working with the World Vision team and the other New Zealand-based development agencies to make that difference. It's a great honour and responsibility to help lead World Vision at this exciting and challenging time."

Judith Jamieson - Director of People and Culture

Judith Jamieson joined World Vision New Zealand as Director of Human Resources in May 2008. In 2010, Judith’s role was expanded to include the Support Services team. Judith, a member of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand, has held a number of senior management positions within New Zealand and United Kingdom (UK) corporations, including Mars Confectionary, Southern Cross Healthcare, and Bell Gully Barristers and Solicitors. She has been extensively involved in change management and people development initiatives and in 2004 she started up her own successful consultancy firm, Access Point. Judith has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), majoring in geography from the University of Manchester (UK), and a Diploma in Business, majoring in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from the University of Auckland. Judith is married and has two children.

Responsible for: Human Resources, National Volunteers, Support Services, Business Excellence

Les Stephenson - Director of Finance and Operations

Les Stephenson joined World Vision New Zealand as Director of Finance and Operations in June 2004. Les, a chartered accountant and also a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, has a Master of Business Administration degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Treasury and Financial Management.  Before joining World Vision, Les held senior accounting and treasury roles in various public-listed companies. He is a member of Howick Community Church, is married, and has three grown children and one grandson.

Responsible for: Finance, Technology, and Operations teams

Paul Newnham - Director of Engagement, World Vision New Zealand

Paul Newnham joined World Vision New Zealand as Director of Engagement in January 2010. Paul has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in history and indigenous studies, a Bachelor of Theology and a Masters in International Development. Following time in the Australian Army, Paul worked as youth pastor and events manager. He then joined World Vision Australia in where he spent eight years working in various roles before making the move to New Zealand. Most recently, as the Youth Segment Manager for World Vision Australia, he developed and executed a new approach to youth engagement. Paul has travelled extensively and has lived in the developing world, including spending time on secondment with World Vision Chile. He is married and is the proud father of four young children.

Responsible for: Marketing and Campaigns, Communications Services, Public Affairs, Partnership Management, Digital Strategy, Events, Face-to-Face Engagement, and World Vision New Zealand’s regional offices in Wellington and Christchurch

Seth Le Leu - Director of International Policy and Programmes

Seth Le Leu took up the role of World Vision New Zealand Director of International Policy and Programmes in November 2009. Originally from Wellington, Seth returned home after 20 years abroad to take up the position at World Vision New Zealand. In previous roles, he worked with the Salvation Army in Zambia and Tanzania. He then settled in the United Kingdom (UK) for nine years as the Salvation Army’s International Programmes Director, overseeing 700 community development programmes in 68 countries. Most recently, Seth has worked with World Vision as Programme Director for South Sudan, overseeing complex humanitarian operations. Seth also has a seat on the board of New Zealand’s Council for International Development (CID). He has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Education, and a Masters of Philosophy in Development from Massey University. Seth is married and has four grown-up children.

Responsible for: Humanitarian Emergency Affairs, Development Programmes, Grant- and Major Donor-funded Programmes, Policy Positioning