Candace Kinser

About Me

“Candace has held numerous executive and board director roles across a range of industries, primarily in technology, health/biotech, banking and infrastructure. With over 15 years of experience on private, government and publicly listed boards, Candace is known for her ability as an effective translator of complex technical or business concepts into strategic thinking and ultimately measurable results. Candace has raised funds at every stage, from seed through to IPO, and has been involved in M&A deals valued at over $850M. Currently, Candace sits on the boards of Livestock Improvement (LIC and Eastland Group. She is the Chairperson of Helius Therapeutics, New Zealand's leading medicinal cannabis company, and the President of the Cancer Society of New Zealand, Auckland & Northland. Candace has also served as the Head of Transformation for Jarden, a New Zealand-based investment bank, and as the New Zealand lead for Palo Alto cyber/data analytics company, Palantir (NASDAQ:PLTR). During her tenure as CEO of NZTech, Candace played a significant role in establishing NZTechWeek and NZTechWomen. She was also the CEO of Biomatters, a startup that won business in over 60 countries in genetics software, and In 2019, Biomatters had a successful exit to the USA. Candace has been a finalist in the New Zealand Westpac Women of Influence Awards twice for the Board and Management category, and awarded the AUT Business Award for Leadership in NZ in 2019. Candace holds degrees in Anthropology & Political Science from the University of Hawaii, a Masters in Business from Massey University, a short-form MBA in Bio-Pharma from Rutger's University, and grad studies in Asian Business Risk & Governance from the University of Melbourne. She has also completed studies in Cyber Policy from MIT and in Governance from Stanford University. Candace is a member of the Australian Institute of Corporate Directors and a Chartered member of the NZ Institute of Directors. She holds citizenship in both New Zealand and the United States. Candace is an Honorary Adjunct Fellow for the University of Queensland School of Technology. ”