Countdown - 49 Days 2go

I've just lost 13 days!

Whilst the blog has been quiet for the past two weeks, its author has not. I'm still working through those lists - and each day new items are added.

What is really awe-inspiring right now though is to see the different teams working as one as we close in on 'The Strip'. That's the teams in NZ, the UK, HK and Bangalore. And our first outpost in the US of A.

The past two weeks has seen the recruitment of a non-Executive Chairman for Pingar LP and a massive increase in marketing effort for Vegas. And so to the new Chairman first.

I was delighted last Monday to announce the appointment of Chris de Boer as non-Executive Chairman.

Chris has extensive experience in investment banking, regulation, private equity, venture capital and consulting in London, Hong Kong and Australasia. He was an adviser to the Cable and Wireless Group in Asia/Pacific between 1987 and 2001, director of Optus Communications, Chairman of the Hong Kong Takeovers Panel and an Investment Committee Member of GEMS Oriental & General Fund.

Chris was Chairman of the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund and Chairman of Phitek Systems. He is currently a director of Macquarie Media Group, a director of Mobilis Limited, Chairman of Sonar6 and Chairman of AngelLink.

I look forward to working closely with Chris in the weeks and months ahead.

On matters marketing, a whole series of initiatives have been planned for the October launch. It has been great working with the team at JML Communications. They have it nailed.

Last Thursday, I was invited to attend the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards dinner at Sky City in Auckland. It was an uplifting event at which many of New Zealand's future scientists excelled in a series of excellent presentations. The value of greater funding for research in our Universities cannot be underestimated. Thursday night proved that.

This week has got off to an odd start. I have no engagements in Auckland in the week ahead. That means I can focus on all things Tauranga. And that date in Vegas in 48 days time.