Two new Directors appointed to Real Journeys board

Media Release

Leading southern tourism operator, Real Journeys, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sue Sheldon and Vicky Taylor as directors to its board following its AGM at Cardrona Alpine Resort last week.

Sue Sheldon has been awarded Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to business.  Based in Christchurch, she is a chartered accountant and a former president of the New Zealand Institute of Accountants.  Sue is currently chair of Freightways and a director of Contact Energy.  Through her role as chair of NZ Global Women, she is heavily involved in influencing corporate New Zealand to embrace the benefits that diversity and inclusion bring to senior leadership.  Previous directorships include Paymark, Meridian Energy, The Reserve Bank, Smiths City Group, Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation and Christchurch International Airport.  Sue is a former chair of the National Provident Fund. 

Vicky Taylor and her husband established Smartfoods Limited; one of the leading premium breakfast food companies in New Zealand.    Vicky has considerable business experience and skills in the commercial, science, environment and sustainability sectors and in not-for-profit governance.  She is chair of Enviro-Mark Solutions and a director of Landcare Research.  Vicky has worked for complex manufacturing businesses operating in international markets, including Lion Nathan, New Zealand Dairy Foods, Goodman Fielder, Griffins Foods and Coca-Cola Oceania.  She is Auckland based.

“We are particularly delighted to have two such high calibre directors join our board.  I am confident they will add significant value to the company,” says Real Journeys Chairman, Roger Wilson.

Real Journeys is one of the country’s most successful tourism companies and has been expanding in the last few years.  It recently added the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch to its portfolio, with plans under way to further develop the attraction.    In 2013 it acquired the Cardrona Alpine Resort which has now started operating activities (mountain carting, stargazing, biking and walking trails) in summer as well as full ski resort operations in winter.   Real Journeys was awarded 2015 Operator of the Year by the Tourism Export Council and is the only company in New Zealand to receive the accolade five times.  

Sue Sheldon - Director

Vicky Taylor - Director

For further information contact:

Tsehai Tiffin - Real Journeys Corporate Communications Manager
Mobile: +64 21 523 899
Email: [email protected]