George Hickton

Professional keynote Business Speaker available for conferences, keynote speeches, conventions and corporate/Association events.

Based in Wellington New Zealand.
Available locally and internationally.

"Leadership Vs Management"
Recognised as an innovative leader in change management and culture change, with a commitment to motivating employees at all levels, George Hickton has established an incredible track record of success.

In April 1999 George Hickton was appointed  chief executive of The New Zealand Tourism Board one of the highest profile positions in New Zealand. In fact George Hickton has always been in the front line of change and where innovation and leadership is key.

In December 1994 he took over the reigns of the TAB to take it into the era of sports betting. The TAB also owns its own television network, Trackside Channel which provides free-to-air racing coverage throughout New Zealand. The TABl handles a total on and off-course betting turnover of well over $1.0 billion dollars.

He was previously general manager of The New Zealand Income Support service. The Service, the largest operational arm of the Department of Social Welfare went through a total transformation during the three years of George's leadership  The organisation pays out over $9.4 billion a year and employs 4,650 staff in 92 locations.

Prior to that George was general manager of the New Zealand Employment Service formerly the Department of Labour. He was brought in specifically to change the culture and attitudes of staff and clients alike. His impact is self evident. Today the Employment Service leads the way in the employment area providing a standard of service previously unheard of from a government department.

George has extensive management experience having worked in senior positions with Honda New Zealand as general Manager Sales & Marketing and Ford Motor Company in a senior HR role. He is a board member of the TAB and the New Zealand College of Management.

For any serious business discussion on change management delivered in a no-nonsense but highly stimulating manner George Hickton has a track-record second to none. He has "been there" and is "still there".