Meet the Optimation Leadership Team

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.

Caroline Angel - Head of Operations

Caroline is an experienced operations professional with a demonstrated history spanning international trade and development, financial services, entertainment, and IT industries. Known for her ability to bring clarity and structure to complex environments, she combines deep expertise in process improvement, project coordination, and strategic planning with a collaborative, people-first approach that keeps teams aligned and organisations moving forward. At Optimation, she channels these strengths into ensuring the business runs at its very best.

Before joining Optimation, Caroline built an impressive career across some of the industry's leading organisations. At Autodesk and Moxion, she led post-merger integration over three years - a role that demanded both precision and adaptability. At Datacom, she progressed from Operations Coordinator to Practice Lead for Delivery Operations, a testament to her drive and leadership. Earlier in her career, she gained valuable experience at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Fisher Funds. Caroline holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Auckland and is an ICAgile Certified Professional.

Outside of work, Caroline loves to travel and explore new cultures, stays active through Pilates, and is an avid reader.