Brendan Haigh

XIR

Chief Innovation Officer

I help organisations turn possibilities into long-term value.

Backed by deep primary-sector experience and a focus on long-term impact for organisations, communities and whenua.

I’m an idea wrangler who helps organisations turn ideas into real, sustainable value. Innovation is the discipline of taking a good idea and turning it into something useful, commercially sound and good for the long-term health of the business.

As an Expert in Residence, I bring clarity, structure and focus so teams can shift from talking about ideas to delivering them. My approach is design-led with sustainability at the centre. I get teams working back from the customer or need, then balance commercial outcomes with environmental and social impact.

I’ve worked across Aotearoa’s primary sector, from food and farming to forestry, agritech and aviation. I’ve led teams through discovery, launch and the tough moments when things go off-track. My experience across both large and small projects, backed by strong commercial discipline, helps clients invest in innovation with confidence.

At heart, I care about long-term organisational resilience and the positive impact business can have on community and whenua.

My goal is simple. Create value that lasts.