Avec hires Sam Collins to lead NZ expansion

IT project delivery company Avec has expanded into New Zealand, appointing Sam Collins to lead the business across the Tasman.

As general manager of New Zealand, Collins will be responsible for driving Avec's growth in the country by using the firm's local customer engagements within the public and private sectors.

Prior to joining Avec, Collins was managing director of Wellington-based recruitment agency People&Co, which was acquired by Avec’s parent company, Talent, in November 2023.

Avec said the acquisition reinforces its commitment to the New Zealand market and establishes a platform to develop its consultancy business with Collins at the helm.

“Our strong focus on growth and delivering into the New Zealand market will only add further value to clients with existing relationships across the wider Talent group, and for the clients who don’t work with us yet, I want to cement Avec as an alternative to the top end of town, carrying over the strong reputation we’ve established in other markets for consistent and high-quality delivery at an affordable price point," Collins said.

"With the expertise and talent we’ve got on our team, I firmly believe there’s no problem that we can’t solve within our areas of capability.”

Avec said the New Zealand expansion follows a "highly successful financial year" for the company.

This has seen new practices lines added to its project management offering, including AI and data, automation business analysis, architecture, business applications and transformations. 

“It’s an extremely exciting time for Avec as we expand into the New Zealand market," Avec's MD Dennis Grant said.

"We’ve hit the launch button with our delivery capability expanding across a number of new practices and new geographies."

"Sam brings a wealth of local knowledge that I know will be extremely beneficial for customers in the New Zealand market."

"As we like to tell our clients, ‘Delivery is our superpower’, and I cannot wait to deliver quality service to our clients and customers in New Zealand.”