Herald on Sunday

SURPRISE CONTESTANT ON THE APPRENTICE

- With Ricardo Simich Email: spy@hos.co.nz or write to: Spy editor, Herald on Sunday, PO Box 32, Auckland On social media: @ricardosim­ich

The CEO of a luxury tourism business is also vying for a job with mortgage man Mike Pero on The Apprentice Aotearoa. Spy understand­s Kyria Warren, the boss of Luxury LAS (land, air and sea) concierge service is one of The Apprentice contestant­s vying to win the title.

The show, which sees wannabe entreprene­urs pitch to wealthy backers, will air on TVNZ 1 this year although no date has been set.

In 2019 Warren started Luxury LAS, a tourism business that manages local and internatio­nal bookings for boat charters, helicopter­s, luxury mansions and lodges.

When Covid hit, her team had to rethink the marketing approach to target Kiwis. The ability to pivot during Covid was a stated prerequisi­te

The Apprentice producers were looking for in talent. Although Warren ticks that box, why would a CEO want to be Mike Pero’s apprentice?

The single mother of two is a dynamo networker and Spy hears she was attracted by the experience she would get.

Spy understand­s other contestant­s are a notable influencer and an internatio­nal event promoter.

In January, Pero conceded his riches didn’t match the billions owned by former US President and The Apprentice host Donald Trump, nor his UK Apprentice counterpar­t, business magnate Sir Alan Sugar, but he hoped to bring out the best from his apprentice­s.

“This is Aotearoa and, while I will be truthful in my feedback, I’m not there to destroy confidence. Instead, I will aim to offer constructi­ve, useful and inspiring advice to those on the show and to those at home,” Pero told Spy.

Spy hears the boardroom table has already had fireworks, with one angry contestant telling

Pero that they wouldn’t pay to be his apprentice.

TVNZ would not comment on Warren’s involvemen­t. “We’re excited for viewers to see the series when it airs on TVNZ 1 with Mike Pero in the role of CEO, but at this stage TVNZ is not confirming the candidates involved in The Apprentice

Aotearoa ,”a spokespers­on said.

 ??  ?? Mike Pero. Photo / Fiona Goodall Kyria Warren. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Mike Pero. Photo / Fiona Goodall Kyria Warren. Photo / Jason Oxenham
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