Our People
First Rate is made up of a dedicated team of people from a range of backgrounds. Our skills and experience guarantee you a thorough, informed and helpful approach.
Our core New Zealand team members are below:
| Kevin Francis - Chief Executive Officer | |
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Kevin was educated at Bristol University, UK, where he gained an honours degree in chemistry, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He spent eight years as a telecommunications officer in the British Army, reaching the rank of Captain and was decorated for operational service in the Gulf War. Kevin has held a variety of senior management positions in the Internet and IT industry over the last 20 years and brings extensive experience in change management, business excellence and business growth. T: +64 (9) 920 1742 |
| Samuel Stadler - Chief Operating Officer | |
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Samuel kicked off his online marketing career in 1999, consulting to New Zealand clients as well as San Diego based Network Security Solutions. Soon after, he was invited to work for a Paris-based IBM Business Partner, to help drive the B2C membership growth for a world-first digital content distribution system. As Product Manager he implemented online marketing initiatives including affiliate, referral and search engine marketing. He has since contributed to the online success of numerous consumer and commercial businesses throughout Australasia. Samuel joined First Rate in 2003 and was instrumental in the rapid growth of the Auckland agency. In 2006 he moved to Australia to launch the First Rate Sydney office and has recently returned back to Auckland as COO. Samuel's areas of expertise include E-Business Strategy, Search Engine Optimisation, Search Engine Marketing, Performance Online Advertising, and Website Analytics. Samuel holds a BSc in Physiology and a BCom in Information Systems and Marketing, for which he was awarded a Senior Prize in 2003. Google GAP and GAIQ certified, Samuel has been an active contributor to the New Zealand Marketing Association's e-Marketing committee as well as ADMA in Australia. Samuel has also presented at leading universities including AUT, The University of Auckland and Massey University and has spoken at industry events including the Advertising & Marketing Summit. T: +64 9 920 1752 |
| Grant Osborne - Director of Strategy & Performance | |
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Grant Osborne is a passionate Interactive Marketing Professional who is results-driven and performance-focussed. Grant has over 5 years experience in interactive marketing management roles and has worked with and developed innovative interactive solutions for leading NZ, Australian and International companies driving increased results and driving revenue. After his time in the UK as Online Marketing Manager of several Internet start-ups, Grant came home to NZ and began his career with First Rate as an Internet Marketing consultant, moving into the role of Consulting Manager. Most recently Grant invested his talents in the hospitality industry as the Online Marketing Manager for Accor Hotels NZ & Fiji before returning to the Q Group in his current role as Director of Strategy & Performance. T: +64 9 920 1756 |
| Helen Chen - Office Manager | |
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Helen holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Auckland.
Prior to joining First Rate as our Office Manager she worked for Ericsson as a Finance Manager. Before her move to New Zealand she held several accounting and finance posts in organisations within China. Helen is an affiliated member of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). T: +64 9 920 1743 E: Click here to email Helen |
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