Rod Drury awarded knighthood for services to tech

Rod Drury has been appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business, the technology industry and philanthropy.

Business career

Drury is best known as the founder of Xero, the cloud-based small business accounting platform. Established in 2006, Xero grew to become one of New Zealand's largest technology exporters under his leadership. He served as Chief Executive Officer until 2018.

Prior to founding Xero, Drury launched several technology ventures including Glazier Systems and AfterMail. Glazier Systems was a technology services firm, while AfterMail focused on enterprise email archiving. Both companies achieved commercial success before being acquired.

Xero's expansion under Drury included operations in more than 25 locations and support for over four million customers globally. The company's growth created thousands of jobs and contributed significantly to the development of New Zealand's tech sector.

Tech leadership

Drury has played a role in broader digital transformation initiatives in New Zealand. He was involved in the development of systems such as online GST processing and the New Zealand Business Number, aimed at improving business administration and government interaction.

Xero was recognised for its workplace culture under Drury's leadership, particularly in relation to mental health and diversity. He established the Xero Staff Welfare Trust to support employees during periods of hardship, setting a precedent for employee welfare in the tech industry.

Since stepping down as Chief Executive, Drury has continued to influence technology and business policy through public advocacy and involvement in national initiatives.

Public impact

Since 2020, Drury has focused on a range of public-good infrastructure and philanthropic projects. These efforts have spanned education, conservation and regeneration, renewable energy, retail payments architecture reform, electricity market disruption, and public policy.

He has provided support for regional initiatives in the Queenstown Lakes District, including the establishment of Southern Infrastructure to support public infrastructure development in the area.

Drury founded the Tāhuna Ride and Conservation Trust, which integrates mountain biking infrastructure with regenerative planting, combining recreation and environmental restoration.

He has backed projects such as Mana Tāhuna and Project Tohu, both focused on environmental restoration. Additional contributions include funding for Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and initiatives supporting Ngāi Tahu students and artists.

Drury is of Ngāi Tahu descent and has maintained a strong connection with Māori-led initiatives, particularly in the areas of education and cultural development.

He has received several business and entrepreneurship awards since 2006 in recognition of his contributions to technology and the wider economy.