Hugh Cronwright - Account Manager
Hugh Cronwright was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. His family emigrated to New Zealand in 1961, where he completed his education with an N Z Institute of Management Diploma. From a farming background in both countries, he left the family farm in Te Kauwhata and commenced his career in sales with Massey Ferguson tractors in the Waikato Region.
Subsequent to his marriage, the couple left for a 2 year working holiday overseas. During the trip he secured a position with Chubb Fire in Cape Town, part of the well known international Group. There began his passion for fire equipment selling.
On return to NZ in 1965 he secured a fire equipment position based in Hamilton. This led to a transfer to Auckland as North Island Fire Manager in 1968. He then joined one of the main Fire Service Equipment Manufacturing Companies to set up an Export operation for them in 1969. During the next 21 years Hugh carried out a number of roles within that Company ending with the position of International Sales Director.
Hugh participated in or lead the introduction of new technology which has been of real benefit especially in forestry fire fighting. He was recognised as one of the leading experts on the subject of fire fighting foam compounds.
Hugh travelled extensively in this work and was actively involved in the Export Institute of New Zealand. He accompanied two Trade Missions, and let a small Trade Group into East Timor shortly after the Indonesian withdrawal.
In 2001 it was time for a change of career to bring fresh challenges. Hugh was offered a position with Marquet Trading Ltd, a long established firm, as Development Manager. The task, to find new clients for existing products, and get appropriate new products established. Exporting Zespri Kiwifruit was one of the more rewarding ventures. The firm became appointed as Sole Marketer for Zespri into Vietnam and Eastern Europe in this period. Dairy products, especially Cheese, and Wine exports also were a success.
Hugh is an active member of the Executive of Export New Zealand, and participates in events held by Asian/NZ Business Council, N Z/Russian Business Council, Pacific/N Z Business Council, Chamber of Commerce etc. He is committed to the cause of fostering exports. Serving as Convenor of Judges for the Export Awards in Auckland is a big commitment in time but a singular honour.
After a brief spell with a Promotional Products Company, Hugh has now joined VenueSearch to assist support and expand the customer base.
