Sarah Wiblin

About Me

“I am an experienced senior executive with a career spanning tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, sport, major events and commercial operations. I bring broad commercial and governance experience, with a particular strength in navigating complex organisations, leading transformation and connecting strategic ambition with sustainable performance. I currently serve as General Manager of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa and Visit Hurunui, where I am responsible for significant commercial operations, financial performance, property and infrastructure, capital investment, risk, customer experience and organisational performance. I work closely with Boards, elected members, government, iwi, industry and community stakeholders to deliver long-term organisational and regional outcomes. My earlier executive career includes senior commercial and marketing leadership roles with Carter Holt Harvey and Castrol across Australia and New Zealand. I have held accountability for substantial revenue portfolios, pricing, business development, P&L performance, supply chain optimisation, sponsorship and commercial partnerships. This experience, together with my time in complex manufacturing environments, has given me a strong understanding of operational performance, commercial risk, customers, markets and the practical realities of delivering strategy. I have also led organisations through significant governance and organisational change. As General Manager of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, I worked closely with the Board to implement governance reform, strengthen Board capability, improve financial visibility and deliver significant cost efficiencies, while maintaining responsibility for major events, hospitality, property, investments and day-to-day club operations. I thrive at the intersection of governance, management, government and community, and bring an informed understanding of the relationship between strategy, profitability, risk, financial stewardship and stakeholder expectations. My governance strengths include strategic and commercial leadership, financial oversight, organisational transformation, risk management, property and capital projects, marketing and customer strategy, sponsorship and partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and people and culture. My governance style is collaborative, pragmatic and constructive. I bring independent judgement, commercial curiosity and a willingness to ask the difficult questions, while working constructively with fellow directors and management. I am particularly interested in boards where I can contribute to sustainable growth, organisational performance, transformation and long-term value creation for shareholders, members or communities.”