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Expanding Auckland-based firm sets sights on global market
Tue, 6th May 2014
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Serko’s ambitions of becoming an international player received a timely boost this week, with the company appointing independent directors to the board.

As a result, the Auckland-based online travel booking firm welcomes Simon Botherway, Claudia Batten and Clyde McConaghy to the company’s board as independent directors.

“I’m delighted with the calibre of our new Board, and the range of skills, experience and perspectives they will bring to the governance of Serko,” says Darrin Grafton, CEO, Serko, who also revealed Botherway will be appointed chairman of the board.

“Bob [Shaw] and I have spent a great deal of time looking for the right group of individuals to help us navigate through the next phase of Serko’s growth and we’re pleased that Simon, Claudia and Clyde have agreed to join us.

“Serko has ambitions to be an international player and has its immediate sights set on becoming a significant force in the Asian corporate travel booking market.”

Based in New Zealand, Botherway holds experience in corporate governance, banking and investment management.

Previously a member of the Securities Commission, a Chair of the Financial Markets Authority Development Board, Brotherway was also a Director of Fisher and Paykel Appliances and the Electricity Authority Establishment Board.

"I’m pleased to become part of a great Kiwi company with exciting potential,” Brotherway says.

“I believe Serko has the product portfolio, the market reach and the right management team in place to achieve its goals.

“Clyde, Claudia and I are looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the company.”

Batten and McConaghy will be based in the US and Australia respectively.