What Kevin loves most about his role at Invacare is that it allows him to help people and to improve their wellbeing. “I’m very lucky - my direct manager (Nicolette) believes in me and cuts me loose to follow through with ideas so we can drive positive change for ourselves, customers and the real people at the end of it the end users.”

His passion for helping people is visible when Kevin discusses the challenges in the industry. “Healthcare can be a difficult field and while very rewarding can also be very taxing. We are here to help people. Whether it is assisting them in the long term to be as independent as possible or making them comfortable and dignified in their last moments. I feel it should always be about people. The challenge is to get them what they need when they need it, smoothly and quickly. Basically, I want to make sure we do our part to get the right equipment to the right people at the right time.”

Working predominantly in long-term care (aged care and rehabilitation facilities) Kevin says he would like both clients and partners to feel they have the full support of Invacare in helping them find the best solution for patients and residents. “I really want to ensure we can improve people’s lives in both small and big ways.”

Previous careers for Kevin include a dynamic role working for Air New Zealand on their long haul flights for 10 years. “No day was ever the same when I was crewing and we flew through all sorts of celebrations, special events, disasters, medical and engineering emergencies.”  Kevin believes that this role now enables him to be agile and adaptive in his work with Invacare, “especially when working with limited resources and time-sensitive tasks and issues.  I also find I’m better able to empathise and put myself in other people’s shoes.” 

Prior to working as cabin crew, Kevin worked in Japan for 7 years at Yamaha, before returning to New Zealand. He grew up in the South Island of New Zealand and says, “I am very lucky to have had many amazing leaders throughout my life, to help me reach my potential and also guide me on my leadership journey.”

A strong believer in “paying it forward” and helping out when he can, Kevin acknowledges that 2020 was a “difficult year for everyone, so it’s even more important that we treat each other well and look after people where we can. In my own journey, many people gave me a chance or a leg up so to speak so I look for the opportunity to do the same for the people around me.”

When not at work, Kevin enjoys exercising - both strength and conditioning training. “I have been the North Islands Powerlifting Champion in the 83kg class and a New Zealand Olympic Weightlifting National level weightlifting competitor in the 81kg class. I was also a Crossfit coach for 5 years and still enjoy lifting weights and HIIT training.”

Kevin also enjoys watching long movies and playing the board game, Catan, with his three children.