Google Cloud appoints Tim Dacombe-Bird as NZ head

Google Cloud has appointed Tim Dacombe-Bird as head of Google Cloud in New Zealand, based in Wellington.

Dacombe-Bird will head up Google Cloud's local go-to-market strategy and work with partners and customers to help New Zealand businesses build AI-first capabilities.

Prior to joining Google Cloud, he held leadership roles at Wiz, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and VMware in New Zealand.

"Tim is a recognised industry leader in the New Zealand technology landscape, and we are delighted to have him join our team," Paul Migliorini, vice president of Google Cloud Australia and New Zealand, said.

"With a history of successfully leading rapidly growing businesses and developing high-performing teams, Tim has been at the forefront of some major technology shifts, and his expertise will be invaluable in helping our customers maximise their AI and digital strategies."

Auckland Council recently announced it is trialling 'Ask Auckland Council', which is an AI assistant that uses the tech giant's systems, with Deloitte working on the deployment.

Google Cloud also signed an all-of-government cloud framework agreement with the New Zealand government in 2023, allowing eligible agencies to modernise systems and build secure applications.

The company said it continues to invest in New Zealand infrastructure through the 'Pacific Connect Initiative', which will deliver two new trans-Pacific subsea cables — Honomoana and Tabua.

Google's Honomoana cable system will add a branch to Auckland and enable dual Australian landings in Melbourne and Sydney.