Clayton Kimpton

Experience

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  Kensington Swan

  Jan 2004 - Jan 2012

  I administered daily operations for a commercial law firm with 32 partners and 200 staff. I advised clients on advocacy services in government, infrastructure, and financial institutions sectors. I spearheaded key commercial business development programmes. I designed and introduced strategy and vision and effective business planning. I oversaw financial performance focused on raising partner profits by concentrating on productivity, client value, pre-qualification, and expense control. Plus, I guided client, financial, quality, and personnel risks.• I grew the practice as an advocate, commercial negotiator, employment law and governance specialist, and commercial mediator for key clients including Fonterra Co-Operative, Qantas, Downer, and Vodafon.• I was selected as the strategic commercial advisor to the Ministry of Economic Development for New Zealand Government's negotiations with Sky City for International Convention Centre project in 2011.• I started the country's initial specialist Health and Safety legal unit featuring seven specialist lawyers and transferring leadership to new specialist partners. Show less I led the group establishing the firm's vision, values, strategy, and direction and managing partner/senior leadership team performance. I was elected to serve four consecutive two-year terms.• I built capability and profitability to compete at the top of the market growing annual revenue and profits by more than 200% between 2004 and 2009 focused on leadership, productivity, and targeted client acquisition.• I devised and initiated a disciplined approach to strategic planning producing detailed strategic and annual business roadmaps.• I played a key role in the firm being named as legal provider to Auckland Council and Auckland Transport in 2010 after 18-month dedicated project forming relationships and developing expertise to serve clients.• I contributed to an entity selected as one of three law firms appointed to a legal panel of New Zealand Transport Agency in 2009 based on alliance with Brookfields to expand available RMA expertise.My prior experience included as Non-Equity Partner for KPMG Legal, Auckland, NZ; Partner/Associate for Gaze Burt, Auckland, NZ; Solicitor for Dennet Olphert Sandford and Dowthwaite, Rotorua, NZ; Law Clerk to Solicitor for Rudd Watt and Stone, Auckland, NZ Show less

  • Partner / Senior Partner

    Jan 2001 - Jan 2012

  • Executive Chairman of Partners/Chief Executive Partner

    Jan 2004 - Jan 2011
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  New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

  Jan 2013 - Jan 2016

  Regional Director, IMEA / Consul-General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates

  I advised and led the organisation in India, the Middle East, and Africa. I collaborated with trade commissioners and regional marketing communications, capital, network, finance, and operations managers. I developed and sustained relationships with agencies including MFAT, INZ, Defence, ENZ, Tourism MFAT, and MPI. I supervised 12 direct and 28 indirect staff across India, the UAE and Saudi Arabia and managed a NZ$9M+ operating budget. As the Consul-General I protected the interests of New Zealand residents and Dubai visitors and represented New Zealand to the Ruler of Dubai and the government.• I concentrated on customer outcomes and personal accountability improving regional financial results from $20M in 2012-2013 to $240M in 2014-2015.• I built a new high performing leadership group and doubled the regional team to secure the highest team engagement score in NZTE for 2016.• I obtained funding and approval to close the Pakistan office, appoint trade commissioners in Riyadh and Africa, country managers in Iran and Pakistan, a business development manager in Abu Dhabi, and three additional business development managers in Dubai. Show less

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  New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade

  Jan 2016 - Jan 2017

  Project Director - World Expo and Special Envoy - Middle East

  I led the Minister's Task Force on the country's proposed participation in Expo and secured Cabinet approval. I delivered the required five business case Indicative Business Case procedure, effective engagement with the Treasury in conjunction with stakeholder government agencies and the private sector. I prepared and submitted the Cabinet document and budget bid.• I led procurement, due diligence, and organisational programme before the budget allocation.

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  New Zealand Government

  Jan 2017 - Mar 2023

  New Zealand Commissioner-General to World Expo

  I form and sustain strong relationships with various agencies, stakeholders, private businesses, government officials, and international peers, and assist agency on various key special projects.• I oversaw all aspects of the country's participation in Expo 2020, Dubai including hiring, training, and supervising up to 160 staff during procurement, construction, creative development, sponsorship, programme development, and operations.• I secured initial funding in 2017 and again in 2020 after postponement of event due to Covid-19 pandemic.• I delivered New Zealand's participation within $62.3M budget complying with Public Finance Act and meeting detailed key performance indicators including all commercial results.• I closed the pavilion and reused/recycled 92.5% of all materials.• I prepared and submitted final financial and substantive reports to ministers, treasury, ministry, stakeholders, sponsors, and participants.• I closed all UAE immigration revenue, customs, and banking arrangements and completed all employment and service agreements.• I advised ministers on possible participation in World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Show less

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  New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

  Apr 2017 - Mar 2023

  Commissioner General
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  Kimpton Advisory

  Apr 2023 - Apr 2024

  Principal Consultant
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  The Law Association of New Zealand

  Apr 2024 - now

  Chief Executive Officer