We asked Group Managing Director Don Braid how Mainfreight has become one of New Zealand's most successful companies. Those are the real world indicators of whether youve got morale correct or not or whether youve got some issues going on you need to address. In March 2011, Mainfreight entered the European market with the acquisition of Netherlands-based company Wim Bosman Group for 120 million; or $227 million. Mainfreight is a truly brilliant organization who sees all staff and their Franchises businesses as friends not employees. You need to have been there 12 months to earn the full bonus that everybody else gets. Indonesia ups trade potential with focus on corporate governance, NZ business needs to invest more in reputation, NZ corporates taking a lead in health & safety. How do you measure this? Weve needed to adjust, particularly in the international sector, air freight charters rather than just normal air freight our people had never had any experience in chartering a full plane. Mainfreight's net profit rose by $40.1m to $188.1m. Having started out with two employees and one truck in 1978, the company now employs more than 7500 people in 22 countries and generated a net profit of $103m in the 2017 financial year on operating revenue of $2.33 billion. We offer lots of training as well, internally and externally. It only represents a small part of our revenue, but . Chief executive, Mainfreight "It's just a little rule that we've had because if they [analysts] keep calling us a trucking company they clearly haven't done their research.". I think its about ready-fire-aim: making sure were steady, allowing decisions to be made, and shaking them up as we get on. Don Braid - newzealandinc.com Offices are outlawed, even for Braid, whose desk is situated in the corner of a large, open-plan room occupied by the company's national team. | Look after your people and theyll look after the business. Don Braid has been with freight and logistics company Mainfreight since 1994, after joining the firm as part of the acquisition of Daily Freightways (where he had been for 16 years). He joined Daily Freightways in 1978, gaining a thorough grounding in all aspects of the business and eventually heading up . Previously, Don was a Political Columnist at Calgary Herald. Rising inflation and labour shortages have added to the Covid-19 melting pot, crippling global supply chains and trade growth. Group Managing Director at Mainfreight NZ . Zac: Mainfreight was started back in the late seventies by Bruce Plested, who is the chairman now. That means a lot of travel, but the reality is I thought my skills were best used in front of a customer so thats what I focused on. You cant see yourself as an employer of 8500 people. His leadership is underpinned by a strong belief in Mainfreight's global competency and capabilities to provide high-quality supply chain solutions for our customers. He has led the company in strengthening its global logistics business and ensuring an increased diversification of revenue streams across many countries, trade lanes and activities provides natural protection for earnings. But well and behold, were in the perfect position not a lot of debt, trading really well, coming off a really good financial year the year before. He joined Daily Freightways in 1978, gaining a thorough grounding in all aspects of the business and eventually heading up . [17], "Shareholding Information - Mainfreight Limited", "Mainfreight co-founder Neil Graham dies", "Road transport regulation a controversial measure to protect railways", "Mainfreight announces agreement to acquire Halford International", "Mainfreight breaks into Europe with $227m acquisition", "Mainfreight sues for $18m after shock client loss", "Mainfreight gets $14m payout - drops Euro claim", "The Wim Bosman Group becomes Mainfreight", "Mainfreight sells Pan Orient Project Logistics and its 75% shareholding in LEP (New Zealand and Australia) for over A$83 million", "Mainfreight Limited (Mainfreight) completes sale of Pan Orient Project Logistics", "Target Logistics, Inc. Agrees to be Acquired by Mainfreight Limited", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mainfreight&oldid=1136159997, Daily Freight (NZ), Carotrans (Worldwide), Owens (AU/NZ), ChemCouriers (AU/NZ) Mainfreight Europe (EU), This page was last edited on 29 January 2023, at 01:07. "It's not about what I've done - it's about what we've done and what the business has done," he says. This analysis will also evaluate the appropriateness of CEO compensation when taking into account the earnings and shareholder returns of the company. Braid consistently delivers for shareholders and stakeholders alike. For the latest updates on face to face courses and our safety planning see ourresponse to COVID-19 page. The opportunities offshore and the populations that exist in some of those other countries are large; you only have to get something half right in some of those countries and youre growing a big business compared to what you have here in New Zealand. Zac: Mainfreight is obviously a massive employer with almost 9000 staff across the world. That includes a new facility for Owens Transport in Penrose, Auckland and additional land in Nelson, Hastings, Cambridge and Wellington. Rob Fyfe [3][4], When the company was founded it entered a highly regulated transport market. Don Braid is a Group Managing Director at Mainfreight NZ based in Mangere, . Zac: Aside from being in front of customers, what else do you spend your weeks focusing on as the global CEO of Mainfreight? Other Current Directorships: Information and Communication Services Limited (Chairman), Seronic (NZ) Limited, and his family companies. So long term, we have a really experienced leadership team. "You need some energy and you need to be on the front foot," he says. The NZ team, who had really done a great job through the Kaikoura and Christchurch earthquakes, quickly put together a plan on how to react. "I probably wasn't qualified enough to go to university," Braid says. Its Mainfreights style to offer career progression, giving people here a long-term career in the business, allowing them to find that space to develop the leadership traits. He is 100 percent dedicated to Mainfreight and its future and has led the company in consolidating its position as an international business, progress which will bring rewards not only for that company but for New Zealand as it continues to expand offshore. Brent had an extensive career in corporate communications and strategic consulting, including for a range of public listed companies. Don Braid has been with freight and logistics company Mainfreight since 1994, after joining the firm as part of the acquisition of Daily Freightways (where he had been for 16 years). Where should we open next? Im sure that everyone on this video call will be wanting to shake hands and sit across the table and deal face to face because of the body language thing and being able to ask more questions, whereas the video is quite limiting. See ourstandard terms and conditionsfor more information. "He's sporting and tough and makes decisions quite fast," Plested says. Youve got to break it down. Thanks for your comments about Don Braid and Mainfreight. We tackle critical leadership, management and economic issues as well as profiling successful local and global leaders. It has been listed on the New Zealand Exchange since 1996. His company has been a shining example of success amid tough global economic conditions. Moreover, Don Braid also holds NZ$171m worth of Mainfreight stock directly under their own name, which reveals to us that they have a significant personal stake in the company. [14], In September 2007, it was reported by Business Wire that Mainfreight had signed a merger agreement with NYSE American-listed Target Logistics for $2.50 a share; for a total of US$54 million. I think the only measure of whether weve got the culture right will be seen in the numbers and in the customer service. Moving away from current form for a second, it could be important to check this free visual depiction of what analysts expect for the future. Zac: Don, if you owned your own SME business at the moment, what would you be focusing on going forward to be as successful as you could be under this environment? Our thoughts are with our members and their organisations impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its about making sure they dont lose the disciplines that make us who we are but embracing them as people delivering for our customers. In the 12 months to March 31, Mainfreight - which has been one of the top performing stocks on the NZX this year - posted record sales of $1.34 billion. Braid has earned a reputation within the market as a straight talker and one of the most effective NZX-50 bosses. How does that actually work, practically? His leadership is underpinned by a strong belief in Mainfreight's global competency and capabilities to provide high-quality supply chain solutions for . We will probably go back to normal but be ready to adapt, be flexible and look after your people theyll bring the answers to the table for you on what your business will look like in the future. Braid says the Mainfreight culture and passion took hold pretty quickly, and Plested recognised his leadership strengths by appointing him to the board six years later. To join your company account for BusinessDesk and enjoy full access, Youve got to think about that as small groups of people looking after our customers and each group is important in their own right and theyll have their own little traits. We have been monitoring government updates regarding COVID-19 and are keeping up to date with Ministry of Health guidance with regard to events and public gatherings. After the full acquisition that took place August 2007, Mainfreight Asia quickly gained momentum in the Air and Ocean sector, driving business in China and Southeast Asia. [4] This operation was expanded with depots in Melbourne and Brisbane. The firm's Australian domestic freight and logistics division, Mainfreight Distribution, began operations in 1989, with an operation in Sydney. George Adams, the departing MD, of Coca-Cola Amatil, won the Leader of the Year award at this weeks NZ Workplace Health & Safety Awards 2013. I think with a driverless truck, well lose that ability of interaction with the customer on pickup or on delivery. We got a taste of what was to come early in the piece with our Chinese business and seeing what they were going through. Get in touch with us directly. "I just think that's disgusting," he says. Don Braid, Mainfreight Ltd: Profile and Biography - Bloomberg Markets Typically modest about his achievements, the 57-year-old is always quick to acknowledge the team effort behind Mainfreights success. Other Current Directorships: Member of the CFO Advisory Board, Auckland University Business School, Member of the Board of Trustees of Dress for Success Incorporated, and private family companies. For further information, please contact Don Braid, Group Managing Director, telephone +64 9 259 5503, +64 274 961 637 or email don@mainfreight.com. Target operate domestic and international time-sensitive freight-forwarding and logistics services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Target Logistic Services. So we are developing our people to be the best they possibly can be. Subscribe to protect quality NZ journalism. Look after our people, look after our customers, guard our cash, and embrace the opportunities that may arise.. We were lucky enough to have a really incredible chat with Mainfreight CEO Don Braid about what he has learnt as the CEO of Mainfreight. "If you allow the recession to roll over the top of you there's a great chance it will.". "He never talks about himself and always talks about long-term goals," Hunt says. Zac: How do you prioritise where to spend your time in a normal week? Use of the word "staff" is banned within the company - one of a range of idiosyncrasies particular to the logistics firm. Don Braid, Group Managing Director of Mainfreight Limited, was educated at Timaru Boys High School and has over 43 years experience in freight forwarding and logistics both NewZealand and internationally. JUDGES COMMENTS Brent is a senior reporter based in Queenstown. Her knowledge of high-tech companies is a welcome addition to the Boards capabilities, as is her familiarity with the complexities of acquisitions, and steering companies through growth and change. Well known for his mental and physical toughness, Braid is often seen working out at The Atrium Club in downtown Auckland, which offers real world fitness for men. His sartorial style was also recognised in 2006 when he was judged the national winner of the NBR Working Style Best Dressed Businessman Awards. Mainfreight Limited has seen its earnings per share (EPS) increase by 19% a year over the past three years. In 2008, the United States locations were re-branded as Mainfreight USA. Group Managing Director, Mainfreight. This is vitally important for all business to remain financially viable and it is where more than often we see business failures and especially in the Building Construction Industries which I was involved in. Mainfreight will release its financial results for the full 2022 financial year on 26 May 2022. He's got plenty of charm if he wants to have it and his leadership skills just stand out people want to stand next to him, Plested was quoted as saying after Braid was selected as the 2011 Business Leader of the Year. Its important to be as flexible as we can to bring an offering that the customer requires during a really tough time. Zac: Don, what makes you good? Some of the leading players in the listed retirement sector have been raising capital. WINNER Is Mainfreight Limited (NZSE:MFT) Overpaying Its CEO? - Yahoo! Its whether the toilets clean, the cafeteria clean, have people got a smile on their face? If you trust your people, look after them and give them responsibility, theyll deliver. Fyfe joined Air New Zealand at the start of 2003 as chief information officer, before becoming group general manager airlines from October 2003 until his appointment as CEO in October 2005. Mainfreights two new build warehouses, a 50,000 square metre facility in Sydney and 30,000sqm build in Melbourne, are scheduled for completion by end next year. Mainfreight was founded on 6 March 1978 by Bruce Plested who started the company with just $ 7,200 and a 1969 Bedford truck. Leading reputation management consultant Noke Kiroyan says it is perfectly possible although not always easy to run a business in Indonesia without resorting to corrupt behaviour. Under his guidance, the freight and logistics company has grown and expanded to now run operations in New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the United States. So Don, my first question is whats been your main focus the past two months during Covid times and leading Mainfreight and global business? Managing director Don Braid said Covid-19 fully tested Mainfreight's resilience, but it also necessitated some fundamental commitments. The firm's shares have been one of the best performing stocks on the NZX, returning more than. Grant Samuel & Associates Ltd. Kate brings to the Board her broad financial and analytical experience acquired in a range of industries, both in New Zealand and overseas. Zac: Im keen to understand what do you think are common reasons why many businesses fail to reach their maximum potential? And in applying that New Zealand blueprint to all regions, we knew we were pretty much in control. Mainfreight boss bypasses 'profiteering' global shipping lines - Newsroom Today he chairs a group of telecommunication companies. He has issued a New research confirms the importance that NZ business leaders place on reputation, but reveals that many companies need to increase their investment in building and protecting it. I learned that early in the piece and I think its stood me in good stead. Don: Its been interesting! They couldnt believe we trusted them to turn up when we needed them to turn up and leave when we needed them to leave. Then we just sat back and allowed the de-centralized process to take over and allowed people to take responsibility to get their businesses sorted and in line. Don: Im not sure its stress. Theyll have the Mainfreight culture, but itll have a little twist for example, the culture in Shanghai is different to the culture in Newark or the Netherlands or Sydney. And then its about exploring the long game. So everything that we do is about being here for a long time. Spearheading the management team at New Zealands largest supply chain logistics and transport company has paid off handsomely for Mainfreight group managing director Don Braid. Don has led the Mainfreight team through a significant period of change and expansion to become the successful global supply chain logistics provider it is today, operating in 26 countries around the world, with $3+ billion in sales revenue, and he leads a team of 9,240 passionate Mainfreight people all around the world. As an example, we know what money weve made or lost last week in every single one of those 282 branches as of about half an hour ago. At the end of the day, the decisions they made will be seen in the weekly results. So a lot is about the long game. Pot vote has Oklahoma hungry to rake in green from Texas, How Ron DeSantis misreads Corporate America, Tesla recalls 3,470 Model Y vehicles over loose bolts, 3 big things in investing you might have missed this week, UPDATE 1-North Korea says US causing international arms control collapse. We continue to be optimistic and we are bloody proud of our people who have delivered this record result.. While many companies have been battening down the hatches this year, Mainfreight has been on the acquisition trail - purchasing a Netherlands-based freight business which operates in Belgium, France, Romania and Poland and Russia. PO Box 65092, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand, Top 200 : Deloitte/Management magazine Executive of the Year Don Braid Clear Vision. Theyre all networked, but theyre all distanced so we knew we needed to communicate really well with them and have a blueprint that we know would work. | He delivers on Mainfreights bold and expansive strategy while still bringing home the bacon for his shareholders. Whilst describing the foundation of Mainfreight in 2000, Plested said to the New Zealand Herald, "We moved all our freight by sea between Auckland, and Christchurch and Dunedin, and we worked weekend shifts to make sure we loaded and unloaded the ship using the whole of the seven days - we found that was faster and more reliable than our big competitors."[4]. Filed Under: Blog, Business coaching, Motivation coming at ya, What a great interview and there are many excellent points which the Mainfreight CEO covered like Empathy which is essential when supporting all those involved in Mainfreights success and another dealt with the importance of making sure all invoices are paid on time. In the decade Braid has spent at its helm, the company has become a global logistics player with operations on every populated continent apart from Africa. In addition, we use tracking cookies, which can collect information about you and follow your internet activity within our website, and possibly outside our website as well. Those people become good leaders early in the piece they might be only leading a couple of people by the time they make branch manager status but they understand the roles of leadership within Mainfreight. Zac: What is the Mainfreight way when it comes to culture? Photo / Supplied . Check out our latest analysis for Mainfreight. Investment has to come year on year it cant just come as a bribe at election time., Embracing the company motto that Good enough is never enough, Braid is focused on fulfilling a vision to make Mainfreight a 100-year company. What are the things you do that maybe others dont do that actually make you lead this organization? What havent we got right? Braid recalls with horror the memory of listening to a chief executive refer to her workers as "FTEs" - full-time equivalents - during a radio interview. Subscribe, 0.1 The Four Pillars of Governance Best Practice, 0.3 Corporate governance landscape in New Zealand, The second pillar - An effective governance culture, 2.3 Board architecture a charter for the board, 2.4 Board composition and succession planning, 2.5 Key competencies for non-executive directors, 3.6 Technology and information governance, 3.11 Employees holding external directorships, 4.4 Director shareholdings and insider trading, 4.16 The company secretary or corporate officer, Breakfast with Don Braid, Managing Director of Mainfreight Ltd.
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