Meet Optimation's Board of Directors
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.