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Managing Director/CEO

I’m described as an inspirational leader who views the world through a creative and innovative set of eyes. I have over 20 years of extensive and varied General Management & Marketing/Communications experience to an executive level and across a diverse range of industries.

Having a career that started in the analogue era (TV, print, radio and direct) and then being at the forefront of the new digital and social media era means I bring a broad perspective to the table. I’ve developed into a confident communicator, comfortable in front of an audience or a television camera.

I’m highly self-motivated, thrive on challenge and look to get something great out of every new day. Having worked across a variety of sectors from Central & Local Government, corporate, small business and consultancy means I can come up to speed and be effective very quickly.


I'm currently contracting across a few roles. Firstly as General Manager for Visit Ruapehu. This is the regional tourism organization for the Ruapehu region in New Zealand's North Island responsible for destination marketing.

I'm also CEO for a start-up called SnowHQ. SnowHQ is about building the world's largest online community of people interested in skiing and snowboarding and connecting them with amazing snow experiences. We have been trialling the concept for 12 months now and are about to take on investors and roll out to the world.

I also help out an awesome small commercial Ski Area called Ohau Snow Fields and Lake Ohau Lodge in New Zealand's South Island as their Marketing Director.

RAL owns and manages New Zealand’s two largest ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa. 

Responsibilities covered the complete range of marketing functions including strategy and planning, company communications, advertising and promotions, media relations, internet/e-commerce, event management, sponsorship/alliance management, direct marketing, social media and staff leadership.

The position was part of the senior leadership team and reported directly to the CEO. It also required regular interface with the company’s Board of Directors.

Mt Ruapehu is known globally as the harshest place on earth to operate a ski business. No two days were ever the same and as company spokesperson regularly in front of national and international media, challenging would be an understatement.

That said I can point to an extensive list of successes of which I am very proud and consider myself privileged to have worked in such a role.

Marketing Manager

Responsible for a portfolio of clients such as Bank of New Zealand and Toyota. The role involved extensive and diverse client liaison and multi million dollar budget responsibility.

I also honed my skills in consumer Focus Group research that I still use extensively in my own business today.


Account Director

Find out detailed information about Mike Smith, Managing Director/CEO in Ohakune, MWT

Mike Smith: Managing Director/CEO in Ohakune, MWT

Mike Smith

Pure Marketing

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL Ltd)

AIM Direct/Colenso BBDO

Victoria University