The Icehouse, the SME support resource for businesses with an annual revenue between $1 million to $50 million, has announced its new CEO, Olivia Blaylock.

Previously the Chief Growth Officer, Olivia Blaylock is set to take the reins as CEO of The Icehouse, a resource that supports Kiwi businesses and owners.

Through programmes, workshops and mentors based on alumni, The Icehouse is the “engine room” of New Zealand’s economy.

David Downs, current The Icehouse Board Chair says that Blaylock is taking on the role at a time when the business landscape is quickly evolving.

“A recession is in full swing and the new budget is here. The current state of play means our business leaders need impactful advocacy, mentorship and support from a team who gets it,” says Downs.

Blaylock will be bringing her 25 years of experience into the role, previously being an Icehouse Owner Manager Programme alumni.

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“I think New Zealand is the greatest country in the world, and I want to make it better for New Zealand businesses,” she says.

“All of my career has been aligned with this purpose. Now the opportunity to impact business leaders every day at The Icehouse is something I don’t take lightly.”

Blaylock will be replacing Liz Wotherspoon, who has been CEO for the past two years and will return to her previous role as Chief Customer Solutions Officer at The Icehouse.

“Having Olivia’s experience, skills and heart in the CEO role, with Liz remaining at the forefront of the delivery of our programmes, is the ideal scenario for this new phase,” adds Downs.

“For 23 years, The Icehouse has listened to and mentored 4,000 Kiwi business leaders to achieve an average post-programme growth of 250 percent within their businesses. As the business landscape is in an important period of change, the entire Icehouse team is focused on delivering up-to-the-minute nationwide support of owner managers.”

Blaylock is set to take on the role from July 1.