# Team Members

The Hirepool leadership team has decades of experience across financial & asset management, customer service excellence and sales leadership.

## Brian Stephen

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer

Brian Stephen was appointed as Chief Executive of Hirepool following the Hirepool and Hirequip merger in April 2014. In 2017, he joined the Hirepool board as Managing Director.

In his role, Brian is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for the entire business.

Brian joined Hirepool from Hirequip where he had spent 25 years, 9 of which as Chief Executive and 7 as a Director.

## Antony Smit

- **Role:** Chief Operating Officer

Antony Smit was appointed to the role of Chief Operating Officer in December 2018.

An internal promotion, Antony has been with Hirepool for 20 years and was the Southern Regional Manager for the last 10 years. With his in-depth knowledge and range of experience across the Hirepool business, Antony was able to hit the ground running.

As a member of the senior management team, Ant works closely with branch teams across New Zealand, to further improve service delivery levels for customers. Continued investment in the latest equipment and technology will be part of that, but we’re also reminded daily by our customers, that it is our committed people at Hirepool who create a key point of difference for them.

## Cameron Mathewson

- **Role:** Chief Financial Officer

*Bachelor of Management Studies, Economics & Finance*

Cameron joined Hirepool in mid-2025 in the position of Chief Financial Officer. He brings a strong background in commercial leadership, with experience spanning sales, business development, and operational management across the equipment hire and construction sectors.

Prior to his current role, Cameron has held a range of leadership positions focused on driving growth, strengthening customer relationships, and delivering scalable solutions across multi-site operations.

## Gary Richardson

- **Role:** General Manager, Sales & Marketing

*MBA*

Gary joined Hirepool as National Sales and Marketing Manager in late 2011, and was appointed as General Manager – Sales & Marketing in April 2014. Gary brought with him experience from a broad background of industries including building products, engineering, manufacturing and plastics.

Prior to joining Hirepool, Gary held senior roles in sales at Transpacific Industries and has held senior management roles for over 20 years in sales and marketing for privately and publicly owned companies, and in leading operational and procurement functions for a mix of small and large multi-site businesses.

Gary is also an Executive Councillor for Civil Contractors New Zealand, and is member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

## Matt McLaughlan

- **Role:** General Manager, Assets

Matt McLaughlan joined Hirepool as General Manager – Assets post the Hirequip acquisition in 2013. Matt began his career in the hire industry in 1989, at Projex (previously Air Hire Centre) before moving to Hirequip when it acquired Projex in 2000 where he held the position of operations manager.

He has also held the position of general manager Power Hire and general manager assets for Hirequip. Matt has a strong background in mechanical engineering.

## Emily Coffey

- **Role:** General Manager, Human Resources

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Emily joined Hirepool in May 2013 as General Manager – Human Resources. Emily has had significant experience in HR. Prior to joining Hirepool, Emily was Group Corporate HR Manager at Carter Holt Harvey for seven years, from March 2005 to October 2012.

Emily has also spent time in HR with large organisations such as Clear Communications and TelstraClear.

Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/about/team-members