JAMES POMEROY MRCSA

Business Leader and Governance Professional

James Pomeroy is a business leader and governance professional with over 10 years of experience in executive and board roles. Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, he is Chief Executive of Pomeroy Group, a professional services firm specialising in hospitality and tourism across New Zealand and Asia-Pacific, with governance roles across commercial business, For Purpose entities & Government. He has also held regional leadership and national representative roles with the Institute of Directors, supporting younger directors and diversity in governance.



James brings a practical perspective on strategy, organisational culture and the relationship between boards and management. His approach combines commercial discipline with a focus on people, inclusive leadership and long-term organisational sustainability.

The Talent Shortage Starts in the Boardroom: Governing the Next Generation of Leaders


Workforce and leadership shortages do not begin when a vacancy is advertised; they often reflect years of missed planning, development and succession. James Pomeroy explores how strong governance can drive better talent acquisition, build diverse leadership pipelines and create the culture, accountability and opportunities needed to develop the next generation of leaders.



Key audience takeaways

Audience members will leave with:

  • A clearer understanding of why workforce shortages are a governance issue—not simply a recruitment problem.
  • Practical clarity on the respective roles of boards, executives and talent leaders in workforce planning.
  • A new approach to succession planning as the continuous development of capability, rather than emergency replacement.
  • Greater confidence to challenge recruitment briefs that favour familiar experience over future potential.
  • Insight into how governance, culture and DEI must work together to build stronger and more diverse leadership pipelines.
  • Practical questions leaders can take back to their boards and organisations immediately.