Duncan McFarlane will replace David Downs, who is leaving to head Education New Zealand
Duncan McFarlane.
Indevin Group founder Duncan McFarlane will replace David Downs as chair of Auckland-based business incubator the Icehouse from next month.
McFarlane was an Icehouse alumnus and would bring “deep commercial experience and a first-hand understanding of what it takes to scale a New Zealand business”, the organisation said.
Indevin is New Zealand’s largest wine producer and exporter. According to McFarlane, the Icehouse played a “pivotal role” in his business career after he completed a programme for owner managers in 2008.
“I came to realise that to scale a company, you first have to scale yourself,” he said. “Taking on the role of chair is a chance to give back to the community that’s helped shape me and many other business owners. I’m excited about what’s ahead, building on the foundations laid over the past 25 years, making sure Icehouse continues to empower Kiwi founders and business leaders to think bigger, grow with confidence, and create lasting impact across New Zealand.”
Icehouse chief executive Olivia Blaylock said McFarlane would bring a valuable perspective to the organisation’s next chapter.
“We often tell our customers that what got them here won’t get them there, and the same applies to us. Duncan brings a rare combination of founder, CEO and Icehouse alumni. He understands first-hand what it takes to scale a business, and to scale yourself. That perspective will be invaluable as we shape what comes next,” said Blaylock.
The appointment came at an important time for the Icehouse, she said. “Looking ahead, we see a real opportunity, and responsibility, to lift productivity across SMEs. That includes helping business owners adopt AI in practical ways but also tackling bigger structural challenges like an ageing population of business owners and lifting the ambition of New Zealand businesses so we can compete more strongly on the global stage.”
Downs has chaired the Icehouse for the past five years and has stepped down to focus on his new role as chief executive of Education New Zealand. He had played a significant role in shaping the Icehouse’s direction and strengthening its support for SME owners across New Zealand, the organisation said.
This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.
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