Building governance skills
Two newly appointed future directors at MTF have spoken about how they look forward to growing their governance skills as part of a special programme.
Stephen Coutts and Julia Bentley are taking on the roles this year as part of the MTF Future Directors Programme, which is run in partnership with the Institute of Directors.
The scheme aims to mentor aspiring directors and allows participants to witness boardroom dynamics, make meaningful contributions, and create value throughout their term.
Coutts, an MTF shareholder for 30 years through his Palmerston North dealership, Cartown, will sit on the board from May 1 to August 31 this year. He is also MTF’s third-largest dealer shareholder
“The first 15 years of my vehicle sales career were spent dealing in used cars, before securing franchises for GWM, Foton, Haval, and MG,” he explains.
“As an MTF vehicle dealer since the mid-1990s, I bring extensive experience in both vehicle retailing and finance, including serving on the Dealer Advisory Council for the past three years.
“I look forward to growing my governance skillset and assisting the MTF board in achieving its strategic goals.”
Bentley, who has experience in banking, finance, governance and operations management, will fulfil her role as a future director from October 1 to December 31.
She has previously worked for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, ANZ, and RentPlus, and co-owned an MTF originator business for nearly seven years.
“My governance experience includes voluntary roles as chairperson of the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team, president of the Remarkables Primary School Parents Association, and secretary of the Queenstown Swimming Club,” she adds.
“I am eager to deepen my governance knowledge and contribute to MTF’s success through the Future Directors Programme.”
This is the third year MTF has participated in the Institute of Directors’ Future Directors Programme, having already inducted six business owners since 2023.
The appointment of Coutts and Bentley was announced during the company’s AGM on February 11.
Mark Darrow, MTF chairman, says: “As a member organisation, it is vital that we develop new directors from within our shareholder base.
“We’ve been delighted by the calibre and number of participants who have stepped forward to enhance their governance skills and deepen their involvement with MTF.”
