Our Executive Team
With more than 63 years of combined service, our Executive Team brings together deep institutional knowledge and a commitment to continuous improvement.
They provide leadership across the business, supporting our people, guiding key initiatives, and helping to deliver the experiences our customers and community have come to know and trust.
They are proud to work alongside the talented team of staff at Ballantynes and recognise that the success of the business is built on their dedication, passion and expertise.
Together supporting the ongoing success of Ballantynes.
Head of Buying I have worked in retail for over 40 years, starting out as a Saturday casual in a record shop. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to work across many different areas of retail, including roles as a Retail Manager, Area Manager, Category Manager, Buyer and now Head of Buying. That breadth of experience has given me a real appreciation for every part of the retail journey, from the shop floor and customer experience through to product, brands and buying strategy. As Head of Buying, I lead the buying function across Ballantynes, working closely with our Buyers and wider teams to deliver an exciting, relevant and commercially strong product offer. A key part of my role is continually evolving our brand and product mix, finding new opportunities and ensuring we remain relevant to our customers while staying true to what makes Ballantynes special. I have been with Ballantynes for just over seven years. I originally joined as a Planner for Womenswear and Lingerie before moving into buying, including roles as Lingerie and Childrenswear Buyer and Beauty Buyer, before being appointed Head of Buying. The people. There is a real sense of pride in working for Ballantynes, and I love being surrounded by people who genuinely care about the business and our customers. I also love that Ballantynes never stands still. There is always something happening, whether it’s discovering new brands, creating new experiences or finding new ways to make the store even better. I’m a beauty and fragrance lover, so my first stop would definitely be Beauty to stock up on Creed and Tom Ford fragrances, along with favourites from Benefit, Clarins and Shiseido. Next would be the Contemporary Lounge, where I could very easily do some damage, followed by yet another Seasalt Fisherman’s top. I have around 25 already, but apparently that’s still not enough! I’d finish in Menswear with a couple of Fred Perry polos. They are an amazing fit.Angela Shepherd
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Chief Financial Officer I am a proud Cantabrian who after several years away returned to Christchurch in 2005. I am a Chartered Accountant and finance leader with a strong track record in financial management, strategic leadership, and stakeholder engagement. I enjoy developing people to optimise individual and team capabilities to deliver strategic outcomes and improve business outcomes. As Chief Financial Officer, I lead Ballantynes’ financial operations, business systems, risk management and procurement. I work with the leadership team to provide commercial insight, strengthen governance and evaluate strategic opportunities. I joined Ballantynes in January 2025. Ballantynes is an iconic Christchurch business with a proud history, which holds a special place for many Cantabrians. What stands out most to me is the people including our expertise, commitment, and care for our customers. I feel privileged and proud to be part of the team. The range of menswear has something for every occasion and for me a Friday shirt is a standout. I would also make time for the pantry and freezer favourites for an easy, high quality dinner option on short notice.Dale Andrews
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Head of People & Culture I bring over 15 years’ experience in People and Culture, Human Resources, and Organisational Development, with a strong track record of leading culture transformation, leadership development, organisational change, and workforce strategy across both commercial and public sector organisations. As Head of People and Culture, I am responsible for leading Ballantynes’ people strategy, including organisational development, employee relations, leadership capability, workforce planning, change management, and the delivery of people-focused initiatives that support business performance and employee experience. I have been with Ballantynes since June 2024 and have led key people and organisational change initiatives, enhanced People and Culture systems and processes, and rolled out an on-line learning and development platform. It is such a beautiful store, filled with so many passionate and dedicated people who are committed to providing the best customer experience possible, plus there is always something exciting happening in store. I would be the most dangerous in the accessories department stocking up on shoes, jewellery, and handbags. I also love the pantry with its ever-changing stock of new goodies to eat and drink.Megan Steele
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Managing Director I have spent over 20 years in banking, where I held senior roles at BNP Paribas, Sumitomo Bank and Westpac. In 2018, I was an adviser to the Board of J Ballantyne & Co Ltd, assisting with the post-earthquake rebuild of the Christchurch store. My Dad, Campbell Ballantyne, served as Managing Director from 1978 to 1996, and my great-great grandfather, John Ballantyne, is the company’s founder. I was appointed Managing Director in 2025 and very proudly lead a team of just over 300 people, each very talented, passionate and dedicated retail experts. Does my time working in despatch as a teenager count? I have worked in the business since June 2025. The pride that each person takes in their role and seeing them do their best to shape the success of our business. It would definitely involve R.M. Williams boots!Jonathan Ballantyne
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Head of Sales I bring over 30 years’ experience in retail, having progressed from the shop floor through to leading and operating multiple stores. As Head of Sales, I am responsible for overseeing sales performance and people leadership across Christchurch, Timaru, and Invercargill. I am relatively new to Ballantynes, having been in my role for just over one year. Ballantynes is a truly special environment that represents the very best of New Zealand: exceptional people, beautiful product, and a strong heritage that is deeply embedded in the Canterbury story. My shopping cart would be very full, from affordable, on-trend pieces in the Contemporary Lounge to our outstanding footwear and beautiful handbag brands, with plenty of time spent in Home and The Pantry. Ballantynes is a place where my family has loved to shop in the past and a visit isn’t complete without enjoying the stunning food at Kin Bistro.Gina Flaws
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Head of Property & Logistics My career has focused on property, facilities, and maintenance, supporting the spaces and services that help keep Ballantynes operating every day. In my role as Head of Property and Logistics, I oversee the teams and functions that keep our stores, facilities, and logistics operations running smoothly. The role also includes responsibility for security and health and safety across the business. I recently celebrated 35 years with Ballantynes and have seen the business grow and evolve significantly over that time. The people. Ballantynes has always had a family feel, and I enjoy being part of a team that works hard but can still have a good laugh together. I’m a fairly typical male shopper and usually only buy when I need something. When I do, I tend to stick to quality brands that have stood the test of time, and you’ll most likely find me in Cook & Dine or Appliances.Paul O’Connell
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Head of Executive Office Operations With more than 30 years’ experience supporting senior leaders and boards across a range of industries, I bring a practical understanding of governance, operations and everything in between that helps organisations perform at their best. To help drive organisational effectiveness, support key business initiatives, and ensure the Executive Office runs as smoothly as possible. A key focus of my role is supporting the Ballantynes brand, helping to ensure that everything we do, from events and marketing to the broader customer experience, reflects who we are and what we stand for as a business. Very proudly, I have been part of the Ballantynes team for more than 14 years. The people are what make Ballantynes so special to me. I have had the privilege of working alongside many talented and dedicated people over the years and have formed some lifelong friendships along the way. I’m also incredibly proud of the talent that exists within our team. So much of what our customers and community experience is created by the team at Ballantynes, and I take great pride in knowing that our people are behind so much of what makes this business unique. As someone who loves interior design and styling, my shopping spree would definitely include a selection of pieces from one of my favourite brands, French Country.Petrina Austin
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