New Zealand-born fashion business Michael Hill has appointed Claudia Batten as a non-executive director, effective from August 30 this year.
Batten is an entrepreneur who was a member of the founding team of Massive Incorporated, a network for advertising in video games which pioneered digital as a media buy.
Massive was sold to Microsoft in 2006, where Batten spent three years scaling the in-game network.
She also co-founded Victors & Spoils in 2009, the first advertising agency built on the principles of crowdsourcing, which was acquired by Havas Worldwide just two years later.
Batten recently returned to live full time in New Zealand after 20 years residing in the United States.
Since 2013, Batten has been a consultant for the technology and start-up sector, most recently in New Zealand where she spent three years running North American operations for NZTE, supporting the growth of NZ exports in North America.
“We are pleased to welcome Claudia to the Michael Hill Board,” chair Rob Fyfe said.
“She will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience particularly in technology and digital growth strategies which will be valuable to the company. Her extensive international and corporate development experience also complements the Board composition.”
Batten will also join the People Development and Remuneration Committee (PDRC) as a member. She has significant governance and listed company experience and is currently the chair of NZX/ASX listed Serko Limited (SKO) and a director of Air New Zealand Limited (AIR) and Vista Group International Limited (VGL).
Claudia has a Bachelor of Laws with honours (LLB(Hons)) and a Bachelor of Commerce (BCA) from Victoria University, New Zealand.