Claire McGowan appointed new CEO of SODA Inc.

Dr. Claire McGowan has been appointed chief executive of Waikato-based business incubator, SODA Inc.

Claire is an accomplished director, with experience in the venture capital and investment banking industries. She also has experience in personally building and growing companies.

Claire has an MBA and PhD in Microbiology from the University of Otago and also holds various director positions with science and investment organisations.

"I grew up in the Waikato and it’s great to be back and to be leading SODA, an organisation that is instrumental in growing and strengthening businesses throughout the Waikato.

"My passion is in assisting entrepreneurs and inventors to build successful companies and provide them with opportunities in industry, network development, education and investment."

Most recently Claire has been working with New Zealand Bootcamp, a private sector-led movement connecting New Zealand’s most innovative primary sector and Maori agribusiness leaders.

Over the past few years Dr. McGowan has been enjoying taking a more active role in projects that contribute to the future creation of wealth for New Zealand.

Claire said she is excited to build on key partnerships with people and organisations in the Waikato, New Zealand, and around the world that are on a mission to grow NZ Inc.

SODA chair Graham Gaylard said Claire’s appointment is part of an exciting phase for SODA given the recent incubator support funding from Callaghan Innovation.

"The Board is very pleased that we have managed to get such a high calibre chief executive such as Claire," he said.

Claire will begin her role with SODA in mid-August.