Our Leadership Team
Meet the people behind the name
Building and supporting the best products in the industry can’t be done without the best team. Every one of our team members brings a unique set of skills and experience to the company and while we may be a very diverse bunch, we all share the same passion and enthusiasm for creating groundbreaking products that meet your needs.
All of the people that work at ICT share our values and our vision for the industry. Together we provide exceptional products, service, support and direction. From the very beginning, placing the customer at the center of every interaction has helped us develop not only a world class product offering, but a level of customer support that is genuine and appreciated by our customers. Meet the team that are more than just the brains of the operation, they are the heart of it.
Hayden Burr
Founder & Chief Innovation Officer
The brains, founder and Chief Innovation Officer of ICT, Hayden is a very hands-on, energetic individual who is well-known for his integrity, intelligence, and outright competitiveness - in everything from technical and industry knowledge and performance, to sports and outdoor pursuits. When not mentally inventing the next great thing in electronics, security and access control, Hayden can be found mountain biking, surfing, running, playing squash or hockey (among many other things, in case he should get bored).
Andy Bane
Chief Executive Officer
With more than thirty years of leadership, management, and technology experience, Andy has worked with organizations to improve their operations, safety, health, and profitability using IT/OT technologies. His executive background spans venture-backed startups, PE-backed scale-ups, and publicly traded companies. Andy’s excited to build on ICT’s accomplishments and deliver on our promise to “Secure Your Success.” When he’s not on a plane or in an airport lounge, Andy enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, and exploring the natural beauty of Colorado, where he’s based.
Pat Alvaro
Senior Vice President & General Manager (North America)
Pat has made the physical security industry his lifetime passion having spent the last 29 years working for some of the largest security technology companies in the world. His interest in the industry grew as he progressed through the ranks from sales and marketing, and ultimately helping to establish a presence in Canada for ICT where he currently focuses on leading the charge towards building strategic partnerships and accelerating growth. In his spare time, Pat enjoys watching Formula 1 racing, cycling and running.
Thomas Napora
Vice President & General Manager (EMEA)
With an impressive background in the German Air Force, Thomas brings over two decades of experience in both the military and IT sectors. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively on critical security solutions for governments, military, and other infrastructure entities, and with leading CCTV, VMS, PSIM, and sensor technology manufacturers. Beyond his professional endeavors, Thomas is an avid traveler with a deep appreciation for history and anything to do with sport cars.
Ben Italiano
General Manager (APAC)
Born and bred in Melbourne, Ben began his career as an apprentice electrician in the elevator industry. After spending a number of years on the tools, he turned to sales where he has held various operations and leadership roles across a multitude of industries including construction, retail, healthcare and commercial buildings. Weekends are mostly spent with family and friends, visiting local cafes where he indulges his love of coffee and donuts, camping, four-wheel driving, and enjoying the outdoors.
Sarah Thompson
Chief Product Officer
With a background in strategy development, business transformation, and executive leadership, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and expertize to lead the growth of ICT's customer-focused product management capability. Throughout her career she has established a proven track record of delivering organizational results, working with stakeholders and partners around the globe to drive innovation, culture, and customer-focused solutions.
Gina Hills
Chief Financial Officer
Gina has spent more than 20 years working in accounting and finance, most of that time for innovative technology companies. She lived and worked in the UK for 6 years, spending her spare time traveling, before returning to New Zealand shores. A self-confessed sports fan and proud Silver Ferns supporter, she enjoys keeping fit and is currently learning to wakeboard and ski. She also has a very extensive shoe collection.
Steven Whitaker
Chief Technology Officer
An experienced technology leader, Steven has a proven track record in driving growth and innovation and believes success comes from fostering an environment where each team member is able to grow and to contribute their best work, through clear communication, collaboration, and continuous learning. Outside of work, he is actively involved in community initiatives aimed at preserving the local environment, and spends his down time on a lifestyle block on Auckland’s west coast with his family and their many animals.
Martin Vermaak
Chief Operating Officer
Originally from South Africa, Martin brings over 30 years of diverse engineering and operations experience spanning the automotive and tech industries. He is passionate about building robust, scalable operations that enable business growth, particularly in manufacturing where operations excellence delivers true competitive advantage. Prior to joining ICT, Martin amassed over 15 years of senior executive experience in roles including manufacturing operations director, managing director, and chief operating officer. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and exploring the outdoors through mountain biking and camping, while also dabbling in various DIY projects.
Stewart Meyer
Chief Marketing Officer
Having spent more than 20 years in marketing and communications, spanning industries that include digital technology, health and wellness, media, and retail, Stewart has extensive experience in building high-performing sales and marketing teams and brings a strong customer-centric approach to the team. Outside of work, Stewart enjoys skiing, hiking, and kayaking with his wife and two boys in their two inflatable kayaks “Mac” and “Cheese”. He also teaches Marketing at the University of Washington Foster School of Business.
Laura Berga
Chief Customer Officer
With her friendly, calm, and professional disposition, Laura is eminently suited to the role of Chief Customer Officer. She is very approachable and enjoys problem solving, which she achieves in a proficient, composed manner. Having returned from maternity leave, Laura no longer has spare time, and is enjoying familiarizing herself with the coffee machine.
Damon Standish
Director, Strategic OEM Partnerships
Damon has a long-standing love of technology, and aside from extensive experience within the access control and security industry, has a diverse background which includes a spell of helicopter flying. His dedication and commitment to ICT clients and solutions means he is always on the go – a game that now involves the whole family since moving them to Colorado to take the reins of the US operation in 2015.
Erin Kernohan
Director of Human Resources
Before joining ICT, Erin spent over 10 years travelling the corners of the world and meeting different people. Now she enjoys working with the diverse and talented workforce at ICT. These days, she’s kept busy with a growing son who plays a variety of sports, although they always find time to make the most of the beautiful local beaches. When the weather is not so beach friendly, she loves cycling, walking, and exploring all the native scenery that New Zealand has to offer.
Paul Joe
Director of Production
Paul has worked in the Electronics Engineering & Manufacturing field for more than 20 years and held roles with some of NZ’s largest manufacturers. A passionate sportsman, he played representative athletics, soccer, rugby, cricket, and badminton in his younger days. He is still actively involved in badminton – including a social group at work where he practices his ‘jumping smash’ on his workmates. In the weekends he can be found with his family (which includes a chihuahua named Chewie), playing and watching sports, or enjoying a variety of food and craft beer.
