About Vivienne

I have many years’ experience in the food and nutrition sectors with marketing and management roles in New Zealand, Europe and Asia. With a background in applied science, research management and commerce, I have managed many collaborative ventures bridging the interface between industry and academia. Feedback from scientists and industry stakeholders show that I can help address the gap that sometimes exists between the key parties in these partnership. (See Testimonials).

In Singapore since 2012, I worked at Abbott Nutrition R&D Asia Pacific, managing partnership development with academia, government and healthcare institutions. Being a Kiwi I have been part of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Singapore and for the five years I have been an active board member working to support New Zealand business’ success in Asia. In 2015, I was elected Vice-President, then President the following year.

Before moving to Singapore in 2012, I worked at Auckland UniServices Ltd leading industry engagement for an interdisciplinary food and health research programme at the University of Auckland.  While I have been managing industry aligned research for the last eleven years, my first job was in the industry working as Quality Control manager for Auckland Milk Corporation (now Fonterra). This company produced milk and dairy products such as FreshnFruity yoghurt. After completing my science qualifications, I moved into new product development and account management which led to marketing and business development roles at Tegel Poultry and Kraft General Foods NZ. I worked in London for seven years in commercial and market research roles with food companies based in Europe, representing them in the UK. My last role in London was with a large food trade association the Provision Trade Federation managing trade information and providing market access information to members.

I received my PhD in Management and International Business from the University of Auckland with research focused on the enablers and barriers to career development for women. I hold an MBA from the University of Auckland, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Nutrition from the Public Health Foundation of India, and a New Zealand Certificate of Science in Microbiology from AUT University.

In 2018 I was honoured to be admitted to Global Women New Zealand whose mission is “to catalyse New Zealand’s social and economic success by championing diversity in leadership”. While in Singapore I co-led a tour from a group of Global Women leaders to visit Singapore and Malaysia in 2019 where we met with leaders in both countries to look at the progress women had made within their state institutions and private companies. All I can about this visit is that New Zealand women are far better off.

See Projects for examples of recent projects led in Asia Pacific and New Zealand.

If you need help with your research collaboration contact Vivienne to set up a meeting to explore how she can help you with your project!