Brett Carlton

Brett Calton

Chief Product Officer

Executive Leadership Team

High energy leader of people and product

Ngāti Kahungunu.

As Chief Product Officer I have oversight of many of Callaghan Innovation's products and services, which support Aotearoa’s inspiring innovators.

I joined Callaghan Innovation in 2020 and have held a variety of leadership roles since, including leading the Research and Development Tax Incentive through a period of substantial change. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of working on the Ārohia Innovation Trailblazer grant. I’m immensely proud to have created a panel that will help to ensure the money the government has committed to this important kaupapa ends up in the right parts of our ecosystem.

People. It’s always about people. Callaghan Innovation has some of the brightest and most committed people I’ve had the pleasure of working with and even on the hard days I feel positive about our ability to work together and do good.

Prior to joining this inspiring organisation, I enjoyed a career in manufacturing and later consulting, advising public and private sector clients in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. I’ve also founded and operated a number of businesses in consulting and hospitality.

I wouldn’t be here without the sacrifices of my Mum (hi Mum!). She’s the source of much inspiration for me and I reflect on that often.

Areas of expertise
  • Co-design and collaboration
  • People leadership; creating environments for people to excel 
  • Product leadership; strategy and lifecycle management 
  • Organisational strategy
  • Stakeholder management 
  • Applied agile
Education
  • Bachelor of Business Studies, Massey University, 2003
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