Tech leaders elected to Kiwi IT body

The Institute of IT Professionals NZ, the professional body for those working in the IT sector, has announced two new appointments to its leadership team today.

Ian Taylor has been elected president of the IITP, with Qube Global Software managing director Mike Dennehy named as deputy president.

Taylor, a tech entrepreneur and founder of Dunedin-based Animation Research said today that he had accepted nomination after being 'blown away' by the work the institute does on behalf of the IT profession.

"Whether it's getting into schools to get more kids following a path to IT, working with government on behalf of the tech industry, empowering our people through things like certification, or pushing against software patents, this is the body out there fighting every day for IT professionals," he says.

Taylor says that the two things that matter most to him are collaboration and engagement. "I'm excited to see how IITP can work together and support other industry bodies, and I'm also looking forward to helping show a more diverse group of tech people, devs, innovators and others why they should engage with the institute," he says. "Especially younger innovators and other under-represented groups such as women and Maori".

Taylor says he sees a need to help strengthen the Maori technology business community in New Zealand, and sees a role for the institute in supporting young Maori who want to follow their dreams through innovation.

The president role is voluntary and leads the institute's governing body, the National Council, working with the council to set the strategic direction of the organisation.

Outgoing president Ray Delany, who stepped down after reaching his four-year term limit, welcomed the appointment of Ian Taylor as president for 2015 and beyond. "Ian's an amazing guy and I couldn't think of anyone better to lead the council and help steer the institute going forwards", he says.

Along with Taylor's appointment, Tauranga-based Mike Dennehy was named deputy president of the institute. Dennehy is managing director Australia and New Zealand for Qube Global Software, after having his company Vision Software successfully acquired by Qube earlier in the year.

IITP CEO Paul Matthews paid tribute to the huge effort put in by Delany and Steve Davis, the outgoing deputy president, over the last four years. "Ray and Steve have provided confident and stable leadership for the institute and presided over significant growth in membership and relevance", he says.

"The organisation was very different when they started, and they oversaw major transformation as it changed from the Computer Society to the Institute. Their commitment has been huge and the profession owes them a debt of gratitude."