Jignasha Patel

Jignasha Patel has a diverse work experience spanning over several industries and roles. Starting in 1990, they worked as an Audit Manager at Ernst & Young, where they gained significant experience in audit, accounting services, and internal audit consultancy. From 1996 to 2004, they held the position of Head of Risk Management and Internal Audit at Carter Holt Harvey, one of the largest plantation forest owners and building products manufacturers in the Southern Hemisphere. Jignasha provided business and risk management advice to the Chief Executive Team and led teams of specialized risk consultants.

Following this, Jignasha worked as a Consulting Director at Business Catalyst International from 1999 to 2004. In this role, they partnered with various clients, including Qantas, Commonwealth Bank, and BHP, to provide expertise and support for their business improvement and change programs.

In 2004, they joined Air New Zealand and held two different roles during their tenure. From 2004 to 2006, they served as the General Manager of Cargo, leading the cargo business to achieve its goals and providing leadership during a period of change. Subsequently, from 2006 to 2017, they held the position of General Manager Aviation Institute, where they led the airline's learning organization for operational capabilities and built relationships with government education agencies and foreign regulators.

In 2016, Jignasha became a Board Trustee at COMET Auckland, an organization focused on advancing education and driving systems change for more effective and equitable education across Auckland. Jignasha also served on the Financial Committee responsible for financial governance.

From 2019 to present, Jignasha has been a Board Member at New Zealand Post, contributing to the governance and strategic decision-making of the organization.

Most recently, in 2018, Jignasha joined the Auckland War Memorial Museum as the Director of Enterprise, Finance & Property. In this role, they are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to drive revenue and business growth, translating financial complexity into business information, and safeguarding the museum's infrastructure and property assets.

Jignasha Patel completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics, Finance, and Tax at The University of Auckland from 1987 to 1990. In 2017, they pursued further education at the Institute of Directors in New Zealand, earning an MIoD degree. Additionally, they obtained a GAICD degree from the Australian Institute of Company Directors in the same year. Jignasha also holds a CA certification from the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, specializing in Finance and Risk. In 2007, they attended the Institute of Strategic Leadership for an unspecified degree program.