Board of Directors

MTF was founded as a co-operative, and that same spirit lives on in how we govern today.

Our Board of Directors represent the interests of our shareholders and other stakeholders. They provide independent and experienced guidance and are responsible for setting the course of our overall direction.

We are committed to driving a culture that values diverse thinking and inclusion. This approach enables discussion and sharing of ideas that help us create a stronger business.

Sturrock Saunders

Board Chair

Appointed 2026

Sturrock is a highly experienced governance leader with deep roots in New Zealand’s automotive sector and a strong understanding of franchise and stakeholder-led organisations. 

He brings extensive governance experience across a range of organisations, including his current roles as President of the Motor Trade Association (MTA), Co-Chair of Dekra NZ (VTNZ), Chair of MITO, and Director of Auto Stewardship New Zealand (ASNZ).

His career began in hands-on automotive retail, where he owned and led a multi-franchise dealership, giving him a practical understanding of dealer operations, customer expectations, and franchise economics.

Melanie Templeton

Independent director

Appointed 2020

Melanie is currently director of TSB Bank, Booster Investment Management Limited and director and chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for XERRA Limited. Mel is a member of the Inland Revenue Independent Risk and Assurance Committee and a member of the Institute of Directors.

Outside of her governance experience, she has held executive roles that include Interim Group Executive, General Manager and Head of Marketing with RaboDirect Australia and New Zealand.

Geoffrey Kenny

Shareholder director

Appointed 2011

Geoff has been a shareholder of MTF since 1994.

He started as a motor vehicle dealer in Rotorua, and now owns an MTF Finance franchise, Geoff Kenny Limited, in Lower Hutt.

Hamish Jacob

Shareholder director

Appointed 2026

Hamish is the owner of MTF Thorndon, where he leads a high-performing team serving the Wellington region. With a strong background in finance and the motor industry, Hamish’s professional experience spans automotive retail and finance leadership.

Prior to joining MTF, he held senior roles, including Chief Executive at The Colonial Motor Company subsidiary companies, where he led multi-brand operations and drove performance through strong customer-focused leadership and strategic direction.

Hamish has also been involved in industry organisations, including the Motor Trade Association franchise committee.

Noel Johnston

Deputy Chair

Appointed 2019

Noel has been a shareholder of MTF Finance since 1985.

He started as a motor vehicle dealer in Dunedin and is now a director of three MTF Finance franchises: Noel Johnston Limited and Johnston Bentley Limited, based in Dunedin and Central Otago respectively.

Grant Woolford

Shareholder director

Appointed 2018

Grant has been in the motorcycle industry for over 25 years.

He’s been involved with MTF through Cyclespot Group, New Zealand’s largest retail motorcycle company.

Grant has been Managing Director of Cyclespot Group since 2000.

Shareholder Director nomination

Nominations to the MTF board can be made by any shareholder qualified to attend and vote at the AGM. Nominations must be signed by the shareholder and contain written confirmation by the nominee of their willingness to be elected.

To be nominated as a director, a candidate must be a shareholder originator of MTF Finance, in accordance with the Company’s constitution.