Our Committee Members

NAA-EUN KIMPresident

Naa-Eun became AYP’s President in June 2021, and since then has helped become AYP’s main vision-steerer. She is a Transportation Engineer in the civil engineering industry, who enjoyed attending AYP events since she was a university student. Naa-Eun hopes to use her skills and passion to connect fellow Auckland young professionals through AYP. In her personal life, she is passionate about making meaningful connections, being a positive influencer to society, and enjoys reading, writing, doing photography, and socialising.

DEREK RENNIEVice President

As Vice President, Derek helps steer AYP towards our vision of connecting young Aucklanders, as well as supporting the team. He also manages AYP’s technology platforms, the largest being the website and ticketing system.

Derek joined the team in July 2016, and since then he completely rebuilt our website on a new platform as a part of our re-brand and website overhaul. In addition to making sure our members have a smooth experience interacting with our digital systems, he also handles any necessary additions or upgrades.

By day, Derek works in Management Consulting at PwC New Zealand.

BRIAN CHENTreasurer

Since joining AYP as our Treasurer in May 2021, Brian’s key focus is to ensure our resources are allocated in a way that drives optimal results for our community, members and our stakeholders. Brian’s dream is to help AYP become the leading platform for professionals in NZ to build new networks, seek new friendships and receive professional and personal development.

Brian brings with him over 10 years’ experience in the Financial Services industry ranging from banking to payments.

Brian loves meeting new people, going on adventures, keeping fit and trying new things. Outside of AYP, he can be found helping people get into their first homes (or second) as a Financial Adviser.

EMMA WILSONSecretary

Emma joined the AYP Committee in May 2019 as a general committee member, and became Secretary in December 2019. She will support existing committee members in all aspects of organising AYP events. Emma moved to Auckland in 2013 and found AYP events were a great way to meet people in a new city. She hopes to help AYP grow and continue to provide a wide range of engaging and relevant events. Emma works in insolvency.

BRITNEY PRINGLESocial Events Manager

Britney is our social events organiser for AYP. Whether that is a bar quiz night or a sustainability workshop, she is the brains behind it all. She joined the committee in early 2021 alongside some of the other awesome committee members you see here.
She works in the Technology Industry and has done a few stunts in some of New Zealand’s leading technology companies. Feel free to come along to our social events and get to know a little more about her journey at AYP.

JESS WUSponsorship Manager

Jessica joined the AYP Committee in early 2018. She has come on to help us with existing sponsors and to grow future partnerships.

With an extensive background in business development and account management in varied industries, her passion is in building and growing strong relationships both internally and externally.

LAURA CONNELLProfessional Events Manager

Laura is a new committee member who will help deliver professional events for AYP members. She is passionate about continuous learning and development, and is excited to be part of a group where people can connect and learn from one another.
Laura’s background is in the Tourism & Events industry and is currently studying full time as a long-distance learner through the Southern Institute of Technology.

RENA CHUAGeneral Events Manager

It was in March when Rena joined AYP as a committee member. In the past few months, she have helped her fellow members organise events and promote the page – this felt so refreshing for her to have something to be a part of after long days at work that was purely for fun. Being on the team and helping others makes her feel like she is constantly making new friends, which is a big contrast to interacting with the same colleagues at work. She is really glad that she took the leap to join this amazing group.

TRAM LE THAIMarketing Manager

Alex SaifitiGeneral Events Manager

Alex joined the AYP Committee in April 2021 as a general events manager. He is a Property Advisor at Auckland Transport where he has worked on some major projects including the Eastern Busway Project and the Supporting Growth Alliance. He enjoys connecting with people and working on complex challenges. Outside of work, Alex is also
on the Infrastructure New Zealand’s Emerging Talent Committee, is a Toastmasters Club President, and is progressing towards his Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors status.

Our Advisory Board

ADEL MEGDYATOVAAdvisor

Adel originally started on the Committee in June 2012 as Secretary. She then moved onto the Vice President role a year later, before becoming an Advisory member in February 2015.

When Adel joined the Committee, Auckland Young Professionals was only holding a few events a year with barely any members. She was one of the driving forces that helped get it off the ground again by creating a steady stream of events. She also implemented the multi-channel promotion strategy that we now use.

Adel works for Collection House as a Client Performance and Insight Specialist.

TERRI O KANEAdvisor

Terri joined the AYP Committee in April 2018 to look after our professional events, and became President in December 2019. Terri is from Ireland and is passionate about the development and upskilling of our members. She will be organising seminars and guest speakers covering a wide range of topics including finance and economics, entrepreneurship, and career development…keep an eye on our events page for the great range she has lined up.

Terri is a Learning and Development Coordinator at the Financial Markets Authority. She loves meeting new people so feel free to get in touch with her to chat about potential speakers/personal development.

Our Committee Members

Our Advisory Board

Our Supporters