0800 873 835
New Zealand
A dedicated team of professionals – revolutionising the ground engineering industry
At the heart of Mainmark’s success is our team of passionate, experienced and skilled professionals who plan, supervise, and execute all projects. With deep expertise in their field, Mainmark’s personnel consistently deliver exceptional results, making us a trusted partner for Tier 1 projects and homeowners alike.
In This Section
Frits Maré
Managing Director
MBA, LL.M
Frits was appointed Global Managing Director of Mainmark in 2021.
With a Master of Business Administration from Macquarie University Graduate School of Management and a Master of Business Law from the University of Sydney. Frits’ collaborative approach to business empowers senior management, stakeholders, and employees to find solutions. Frits has a diverse and experienced background in executive leadership and has held key positions, including Chairman, CEO, and Managing Director, contributing significantly to the success of various organisations. He has a keen understanding of business dynamics and a proven ability to drive growth and innovation accumulated over his career in financial, manufacturing, mining and professional services. As Managing Director, Frits’ strategic acumen ensures that the global organisation remains at the forefront of the industry with continued success.
Office address
Sydney
Adam Barnett
General Manager Finance
B.Com, СРА
Adam has a Bachelor of Commerce and is a CPA with 22 years of experience.
Holding senior financial and commercial roles in multinational and listed organisations and, more recently, small to medium-sized businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Adam has multi-industry experience spanning public practice, financial services, mining, and construction. With an enterprise approach and a track record of implementing financial and commercial initiatives, he looks to add value by aligning financial outcomes and supporting strategic objectives. His current role sees him providing leadership and guidance on corporate governance, risk management, treasury, and reporting whilst focusing on supporting the growth and prosperity of Mainmark.
Office address
Sydney
Theo Hnat
General Manager New Zealand
BE (Hons), MEngNZ
Theo has an academic background researching earthquake engineering and holds an Honours degree in Engineering from the University of Canterbury.
His research papers on soil-structure interaction, resin injection ground improvement, and cellular concrete for settlement control are vital knowledge sharing to help better our industry. Theo solves ground engineering problems with deep learning and understanding the issue from all angles before launching into implementation. This approach ensures we provide our clients with the best solution to their unique problems. As General Manager, Theo oversees strategic business planning and manages the New Zealand operations, business development, marketing, and engineering teams. Theo is also passionate about training the next generation of talent within our company and gives his time for coaching and mentoring. Theo’s talents are endless. He’s a triple threat as a composer, pianist, and classical voice singer with Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir.
Office address
Christchurch
Our New Zealand Team
Simon Rowland
Commercial Manager
Simon has worked for Mainmark New Zealand for more than 10 years and sees his role as stewardship of our company and industry.
It’s his sense of responsibility and commitment to train, support and guide our people that makes Simon an effective leader. With a National Diploma in Construction Management and a work history across NVQ3 Heating and Ventilation, Simon knows how to motivate and encourage his team to achieve company goals and targets. As Commercial Manager, Simon believes that teams that work together achieve more. Supporting and encouraging his team to accomplish company and individual goals is what drives Simon in his role. In his spare time, you will find Simon surfing a wave or gunning it downhill on his mountain bike.
Office address
Christchurch
David Hawkins
Operations Manager
David has been with Mainmark New Zealand since 2017 and has worked across multiple roles within our company.
With previous work experience in civil, drainage, chemicals, sales, fabrication and mechanical sectors, David’s ability to adapt and implement new ways of doing business and innovative technologies is unparalleled. His ability to learn has enabled him to understand different personality traits and devise processes and frameworks that allow the people he leads to excel within their roles and in our company. Over his tenure, David has been involved in the successful completion of several of Mainmark New Zealand’s most profitable projects. As Operations Manager, David works on our strategic vision and helps improve delivery capabilities and efficiencies across scheduling, maintenance, logistics, purchasing and operations. Aside from work, David can be found sinking a line in the ocean or river trying to catch (and cook) whatever bites.
Office address
Auckland
Josh Townsend
Business Development Manager
Josh has more than 15 years of experience in sales and management roles across many different industries.
As a lifelong learner, Josh upskills himself about emerging business trends and research and applies what’s relevant to his career and for the betterment of our company and clients. With a passion for sales and leadership, Josh has a focus on building strong professional relationships because he believes this is the backbone to long-term business success. As Business Development Manager, Josh is privileged to lead and collaborate with a high-performing team of sales consultants to ensure Mainmark New Zealand remains the industry leader. When not at work, you’ll find Josh twanging the guitar to entertain (or embarrass) his family or playing video or board games.
Office address
Christchurch
Shannon Franks
Marketing Manager
Shannon is a passionate professional dedicated to crafting unforgettable brand-customer connections.
Drawing from a diverse background in marketing, e-commerce, media advertising, and event management, she brings a wealth of skills to the table. As the Marketing Manager for Mainmark New Zealand, Shannon drives business growth through cutting-edge marketing strategies. Her role entails precision in planning, developing, and executing comprehensive marketing, communications, and customer service strategies exclusively designed for Mainmark’s operations in Aotearoa. New Zealand is a country of natural beauty and Shannon loves exploring the great outdoors with her husband and canine companion by her side.
Office address
Christchurch
Danielle Burr
Assistant Accountant
BBus
Danielle’s nine-year career in accounting in New Zealand and the UK has spanned roles in tax, entertainment, and the construction sector.
Distinguished by her expertise across various accounting systems and her innate ability to communicate with diverse professionals, Danielle consistently stands out due to her sharp analytical and adept problem-solving abilities. Her decision to pursue a certified practising accountant’s title, even after recently completing a business degree, showcases her commitment to continuous growth. As Assistant Accountant, Danielle is the cornerstone of our New Zealand finance operation. With a young family, Danielle loves (and needs) good coffee and is on a mission to find the best weekend brunch locales in Christchurch.
Office address
Christchurch
Matt Glasson
Plant And Equipment Manager
Matt has always been a practical, hands-on person
He started working at his father’s mechanic workshop as a 16-year-old before taking on an apprenticeship with Mace Engineering. This apprenticeship taught him the value of quality workmanship, dedication and the attention to detail required to conduct precision engineering. After moving into roles within manufacturing and hydroelectric turbine assembly, Matt found an opportunity in the maintenance field which ultimately led him to join Mainmark New Zealand. As Plant and Equipment Manager, Matt’s primary responsibility is to ensure that our plant and equipment remain functional, reliable and safe to use. He also designs and builds new rigs and machinery tailored to our and our customer’s needs. As an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find Matt enjoying the cold beer after a day of fishing, hunting or gardening.
Office address
Christchurch
Daniel Gunchenko
Project Engineer
Daniel is proof that hard work and dedication get results. He started his career at Mainmark New Zealand as an intern and is now a full-time Project Engineer.
With an educational background in Civil Engineering, Daniel has the technical knowledge and skills needed to excel in his role and contribute to the successful delivery of various commercial projects. Daniel is a leader and is focused on building relationships and communicating with stakeholders and key personnel across our industry and related sectors. This ensures Daniel remains up-to-date and informed about new or emerging technologies or industry changes. As Project Engineer, Daniel is responsible for the planning, overseeing and management of commercial projects from inception through to completion. We call him Happy Gilmore because he loves whacking golf balls all over the green or playing football on the weekends.
Office address
Christchurch
Maxine Aken
Customer Service Lead Christchurch
Maxine has more than 25 years of experience working across customer-focused roles.
Starting her career as a Customer Service Representative at Graftron Ltd, Maxine’s ability to understand and pre-empt what our clients need enables Mainmark New Zealand to provide industry-leading customer service. Maxine believes good customer care starts by giving every client the same level of support and communicating efficiently and honestly with them at every step of the journey. As Customer Service Lead, Maxine is a direct contact for client projects, coordinates clients and production teams and maintains positive interactions between all parties. When not at work, you can find Maxine at the giving it all at the gym or venturing into the great outdoors.
Office address
Christchurch
Stacey New
Scheduling Coordinator
Stacey’s professional career began at a rollerblading rink where she orchestrated fun-filled holiday programs for enthusiastic (or red cordial overdosed) school kids.
This early experience taught Stacey how to remain calm and focused under intense pressure from hyperactive kids and their parents. In 2021, Stacey said goodbye to the kids’ parties and joined Mainmark New Zealand in the role of scheduling coordinator. Known for her adept problem-solving skills and grace, Stacey thrives in challenging situations. As Scheduling Coordinator, Stacey is responsible for ensuring our nationwide project scheduling is managed efficiently and that our crews arrive on-site prepared and on time. If you’ve been to our Wellington yard, we guarantee you know Stacey. She would have greeted you with a massive smile and friendly welcome.
Office address
Wellington
Brad MacDonald
Strategic Advisor
Brad has been a design and advertising professional for more than 25 years and he has worked with local, national and international companies.
His various roles have seen Brad develop and implement advertising campaigns and business strategies on a global scale. Brad believes that good strategy is the difference between success and failure and enables Mainmark New Zealand to confidently identify and execute new business opportunities and initiatives. As Strategic Advisor, Brad leverages his experience to develop and maintain key partnerships, advise business development teams on relevant sector insights and oversee branding-building and culture initiatives within New Zealand. Brad is the creative type and is a fine art photographer and poet in his free time.
Office address
Christchurch
Ekaterina Tabbernal
Head of People & Culture
Ekaterina believes people are the heartbeat of any successful company and leads our human resources with passion, care, and dedication.
With an Advanced Degree in Human Resources Management and more than 12 years of experience establishing efficient and functional HR systems and processes, Ekaterina knows how to build and maintain employee and employer relationships. As a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute, she remains at the forefront of employment laws and regulations, Human Resource management principles, and best practices initiatives. She also implements Human Resources strategies that deliver optimal employee engagement. As Head of People and Culture, Ekaterina is an empathetic and understanding individual, driven to adopt and maintain dynamic and inclusive cultures. Her commitment to continuous improvement reinforces Mainmark’s values.
Office address
Sydney
