Ingredients for success
Achiever’s insights
Chris Liddell doesn’t hesitate when listing the three things he believes contributed to his outstanding success on an international scale.
‘‘ I’ve had three amazing advantages in life. Firstly I was lucky enough to be born in New Zealand, secondly my parents were wonderful and last but by no means least – my upbringing,’’ he said.
‘‘As a child I was always loved and happy.’’
Mr Liddell was in Matamata with his family last week and was the guest speaker at the inaugural Prominent Persons for Pohlen event – Dinner with Chris Liddell at Longlands Farm and Restaurant.
Guests at Dinner with Chris Liddell were fine wined and dined while getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Mr Liddell share some words of wisdom.
Pohlen Foundation Trust chairperson Lady Spring had been emailing Mr Liddell for two years before they finally nailed down a time for him to come and visit.
Sir Dryden Spring introduced Mr Liddell and said he didn’t know anybody who had achieved the same level of corporate success.
‘‘Athletes and others are often celebrated because of their success on an international scale. Corporate success however very seldom get recognised,’’ Sir Dryden Said.
‘‘Chris is no ordinary man. He’s a man who is committed to New Zealand and who is always prepared to help.’’
Mr Liddell recently replaced former Kiwibank boss Sam Knowles as Xero’s chairman.
Born in Matamata in 1958, Mr Liddell was educated in Auckland where he attended Mount Albert Grammar School and went on to gain a degree in engineering with honours from the University of Auckland. Mr Liddell also received a Master of Philosophy degree from Oxford University in England.
‘‘The greatest asset anyone has is their brain,’’ he said.
In a career that has seen him climb the international corporate ladder he has held prominent positions at Carter Holt Harvey and International Paper.
Mr Liddell was a senior vicepresident and CFO of Microsoft where, from 2005 to 2009, he was responsible for leading their worldwide finance organisation.
His responsibilities included overseeing corporate strategy, acquisitions, treasury activities, tax planning, accounting and reporting, internal audits and investor relations.
Mr Liddell left Microsoft in December 2009 to become the vice-chairman and CFO of Gen- eral Motors (GM).
Mr Liddell joined GM in January 2010, and led the company’s global finance operations until March 2011. He oversaw GM’s US$23 billion float in 2010 and was once tipped as the firm’s likely chief executive.
‘‘I’ve had a lot of jobs in my life but working for General Motors was a cause,’’ Mr Liddell said.
Mr Liddell said GM was one of the greatest companies of the last century.
At its peak it employed over one million people.
In 2012, Mr Liddell was headhunted and became executive director of Transition Planning for the Romney Presidential Campaign.
He was also a director and treasurer of the Romney for President fundraising campaign, a joint fundraising vehicle with the Republican National Committee (RNC).
Mr Liddell is also well-known for his philanthropic activities, most recently supporting Mount Albert Grammar School.
‘‘Philanthropy is huge US,’’ he said.
‘‘New Zealanders are incredibly generous people but never seek recognition for their generosity.’’
While in Matamata, Mr Liddell had the chance to catch up with old family friends Gordon and Audrey Lukies who were one of the first couples to secure tickets to the event.
Mr Lukies said Mr Liddell was blessed to have such wonderful parents. ‘‘ We are, and I know his parents would be, extremely proud of what Chris has achieved,’’ Mr Lukies said.
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Mr Liddell said his adventurous side and taking risks were attributes he inherited from his mother.
‘‘I was an unremarkable kid, however I’ve always been fundamentally happy and positive,’’ he said.
There had been some great achievements but there have also been some big hurdles to jump, Mr Liddell said.
‘‘It’s a hard world out there,’’ he said.
Mr Liddell also had words of advice for people who may want to chase success overseas.
‘‘If money is your number one priority by all means go overseas. If lifestyle is important to you – stay in New Zealand,’’ Mr Liddell said. ‘‘People here in New Zealand are happy, I love coming home.’’
More photos go to pages 7 & 8