Auckland Theatre Company welcomes new Chair, Frances Valintine

Derek McCormack, Acting Chair of Auckland Theatre Company, announces the appointment of a new Chair - Frances Valintine CNZM.

Frances Valintine is a globally recognised leader at the intersection of technology, business, and education. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, she has become one of the most influential voices in digital transformation, the future of work, and emerging technologies. As a visionary entrepreneur and commercial business leader, Frances has a track record of building and scaling successful ventures.  

When Frances is not immersed in business, education and technology, she is active in the world of art and creativity. As a regular designer for WOW - World of Wearable Art, a very keen photographer and designer, and as an enthusiastic audience member, Frances regularly engages in creative expression. 

Frances says “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to bring my passion for all forms of storytelling and performance art as well as my business experience to the governance of Auckland Theatre Company, an organisation I believe is one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s special taonga. Art and human creativity play a vital role in enriching our lives.”  

Frances replaces outgoing Chair Vivien Sutherland Bridgwater MNZM who has retired from the Board after eight years of service.  During her six-year tenure as Chair, Vivien has driven a strategic visioning project to set the Company on a path for its 30th anniversary and beyond.  Vivien has overseen annual ticket sales grow, the founding of the Youth Company, the diversification of the Company’s work and steered the organisation through the pandemic to emerge strongly in her final year, 2025. 

Derek McCormack says: “Frances is a highly accomplished businesswoman with a passion for creativity and belief in the necessity of connection with arts. She is the right person to lead the Board as Auckland Theatre Company continues towards its ambition to be the theatre company for all Tāmaki Makaurau.” 

Frances looks forward to joining her Board colleagues in January 2026.

The Board of Auckland Theatre Company Limited: 

Frances Valintine CNZM (Chair) 

Bronwyn Bradley 

Derek McCormack 

Gabriel Kirkwood (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Waikato Tainui, Ngāi Tuhoe) 

Graeme Pinfold 

Karen Ferns 

Paul Lisi (Gataivai, Manono) 

Tony Larsen 

For interviews and media enquiries contact:  

Terri Cumiskey, Acting Director of Marketing, [email protected] / 021 432 103 

Frances Valintine CNZM 

Frances Valintine has founded multiple organisations, including Media Design School, The Mind Lab, Tech Futures Lab and AcademyEX, a post-graduate institute based in Auckland, New Zealand. 

Her expertise lies in translating complex technological concepts into practical, high-impact business strategies. Frances has guided over 250 organisations—from startups to large enterprises across diverse sectors—in navigating the complexities of AI, automation, and digital disruption. A graduate of Singularity University and Melbourne University, she possesses a unique ability to anticipate and leverage exponential technologies to create competitive advantage and drive sustainable growth. Her extensive governance experience and global network further amplify her impact as a transformative leader poised to make a lasting mark on the world. 

Recognised as a leader, innovator, and entrepreneur Frances became a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her lifetime contribution to education and technology in 2018. Frances has received numerous awards, including Best Start-Up in Asia Pacific as judged by Steve Wozniak and Sir Richard Branson in 2014. In 2022, Frances was inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs and in 2020 received the lifetime award for her Outstanding Contribution to Technology and Business at the NZ CIO awards. Her past accolades also include being inducted into the New Zealand Hi-Tech Hall of Fame in 2017. 

Frances is the author of Future You, a book dedicated to shifting perceptions about learning as an adult. She is currently the Chair of AcademyEX and BSI Sydney and a board member of the University of Silicon Valley, the NZ Hi Tech Trust, and the Committee for Auckland. Previously Frances was on the Boad of the Santa Fe Institute of Art & Design, Talentnomics, in Washington DC, Callaghan Innovation, Education NZ, Watercare and KEA - World Class Kiwis.