It is with deep sadness that Kordia Group announces its former CEO, Scott Bartlett, has passed away following a valiant and courageous fight against brain cancer.
“Scott was one of the most respected business leaders in New Zealand. He had a brilliant mind and a natural ability to motivate the very best in the people around him,” says Kordia Group acting CEO Shaun Rendell.
“He was known for his big, bold, courageous ideas – brought to life through his passion and ability to make things happen. It’s hard to imagine Kordia being the place it is today without Scott’s relentless drive evolving the business beyond our comfort zone to new heights. He will be sorely missed by everyone here.”
During Scott’s outstanding career he held important positions across the technology, business, and education sectors.
He joined Kordia as CEO in 2012, taking on the Group CEO role in 2016.
Scott was also a non-executive director with ASB and a Council Member at the University of Waikato.
His previous roles included CEO of Orcon, CEO of Quik Internet, a Director of the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum (TCF) and the Number Administration Deed (NAD), and a councillor for Internet NZ. He was also an advisory board councillor of the Pacific Telecommunications Council and on the Board of C.O.D.E (Centre of Digital Excellence) at the University of Auckland Business School.
Kordia Chair John Quirk says Scott was one of New Zealand’s most inspirational leaders.
“While this is an immensely sad day for us all, Scott’s life and achievements – particularly at such a young age – are a legacy to be admired and celebrated. His vision, his passion for life and creating a workplace where everyone had an opportunity to thrive are what made him such an incredible leader. He was always an advocate for diversity and was very proud of his work with the LGBTQ+ community. The New Zealand business community has lost an outstanding person.”
Scott was diagnosed with multiple tumours on the brain in late 2019. Following treatment, and a brief return to work in 2020, he stepped down as Kordia Group CEO to focus on his cancer battle. Scott was 40 years old.
Kordia Group CFO, Shaun Rendell, remains acting CEO.
