Meet the Optimation Leadership Team

Neil Butler - Chairman and Founder

Neil is an experienced entrepreneur and technologist who founded Optimation in 1992. He is inspired by the twin goals of helping organisations transform for productivity and competitive advantage, while contributing to a thriving, sustainable local ICT sector that provides people with rewarding careers.

Neil pioneered the formation of strategic partnerships that give customers global capabilities at New Zealand scale. He has also taken local ingenuity and IP to the world through Optimation Ventures.

Neil is a member of the Institute of Directors and holds several independent directorships and board advisory roles. He is involved in ICT sector groups including NZTech, and he provides mentoring and advice to a number of start-ups and innovators.

Alex Bouma - Executive Director

With over 25 years of experience in applying smart technology to businesses across the globe, Alex is an Executive Director, assisting with governance and key relationships across Optimation Group of companies in New Zealand. Alex’s experience spans multiple industries from Government, Defence and the Private Sector. He has a special focus on the wider Justice Sector eco-system, as part of Optimation’s key relationship with NZ Corrections.

Alex was formerly an executive at HP for 14 years, with his last role there running Global Delivery of Application Services across Australia and NZ into India, the Philippines and China.

Sharon Butler - Director and Co-Founder

Before devoting her work full time with Optimation for over 15 years, Sharon had a career in banking which gave her a solid grounding for her governance and operational roles in Optimation.

As a co-founder with over 30 years’ experience she has a deep understanding of what make Optimation tick and its culture. She brings a wide range of experience and expertise to the table, including business coaching and mentoring.

Her background in Finance and Accounting has supported her previous roles at Optimation as CFO and General Manager Corporate Services, and she now assists with governance of the company.

Richard Wyke - Chief Executive Officer

Richard is a digital and technology leader with a strong record of delivering business outcomes in complex, regulated environments.

He has held senior executive roles across product, technology, and digital transformation. Leading the global scaling of digital platforms, building innovative fintech systems, and integrating AI to improve customer experience. He has also been repeatedly recognised among New Zealand’s top CIOs for innovation, data-driven strategy, and value creation.

Known for his transparent, collaborative style, Richard focuses on business-led, secure, and outcomes-driven use of AI and modern digital platforms.

Cherrie Wheeler - General Manager, Presto

With a solid background in the Tech space, Cherrie has a passion for IT and has over 20+ years experience in IT talent management and recruitment roles. She builds strong professional relationships and introduces the best talent and resourcing solutions to Presto clients.

She is always focused on bringing together the right people at the right time, and her proactive approach ensures a seamless experience for Presto clients and candidates.

Whether you are an organisation in need of resourcing expertise or a candidate looking for your next role, her goal is to ensure Presto delivers a thorough and professional experience.

Scarlett Maddock - Head of Digital Enablement

A passionate people leader with a customer-centric mindset, Scarlett’s 15 years + in the tech sector has taken her from London to New Zealand. Leading the digital analysis and design practice here at Optimation, Scarlett brings her knowledge of systems thinking, analysis and service design to connect people and technology to deliver Business outcomes.

Scarlett’s specialism is understanding and designing for complex eco-systems with legacy systems, creating simple and comprehensive customer journeys through a collaborative, facilitative practice of design leadership.

Jenny Smith - Head of Delivery

Jenny is an experienced senior delivery practitioner, skilled communicator and problem-solver with extensive experience enabling new and enhanced digital and business capabilities over her 20+ year career.

She has a passion for people-centred project, programme and portfolio management, building trusting client relationships and results-driven delivery excellence. Skilled at aligning business priorities with delivery strategies, Jenny is accustomed to delivering at pace utilising cross-functional teams and fit for purpose delivery methodologies.

Jenny’s background prior to joining the Optimation team includes Utilities, Government, Telecommunications and Finance.