For 2024, Shuttlerock’s Founder, Jonny Hendriksen has been named the 25th winner of New Zealand’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
Global data and technology organisation Ernst & Young (EY) have announced its Kiwi winner for its annual Entrepreneur of the Year competition after announcing the category winners in September.
Hendrikson of tech-driven marketing agency, Shuttlerock has been named the winner of the Master Category for growing his business in his Nelson home all the way to a global level.
Having been an entrepreneur since a young age, Hendriksen has always had an eye on identifying solutions for human problems. He even founded ValueClick Japan and became the first foreigner to IPO in the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Shuttlerock is a tech solution for the traditional advertising agencies who have struggled with digital demands. What started in Hendriksen’s kitchen is now a world leading Creative-as-a-Service (CaaS) solution, blending human talent with tech-driven automation.
The business has grown into an international network of sales offices, creative studios, and proprietary technology that offer a “follow-the-sun” solution where production is taking place twenty-four hours a day. Shuttlerock’s workforce spans several continents and speaks over 40+ languages.
Read more: Category winners announced for EY’s 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year
Jason Macgregor, EY Entrepreneur of the Year New Zealand Program Leader, says the judges agreed Hendriksen’s business achievements are underpinned by remarkable determination in delivering better outcomes.
“At its core, entrepreneurship is about developing a meaningful product or service that harnesses innovation and creativity to stand out, then utilizing business nous to build it into a viable and successful business,” he says.
“The success Hendriksen has achieved with Shuttlerock is an excellent example of how to build a Kiwi business and take it to a global scale.“
The judges have also added that Hendriksen was a stand-out thanks to his “high-calibre field for his perseverance and resilience” and his jourey to success.
“He’s modest in how he speaks about his achievements, and although he’s been an entrepreneur for some time, he truly embodies the new-age entrepreneurial spirit—working remotely from Nelson to be present for his family and manage his work-life balance. What impressed us most was how he exemplifies a masterful entrepreneur, staying grounded in his New Zealand roots while excelling on a global stage,” adds Cecilia Robinson, EY Entrepreneur of the Year New Zealand 2024 Chair of Judges.
Earlier in August, EY announced the category winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year awards which include Michael Walker of BlackBull Markets, Craig Piggott of Halter, Miria Flavell of HINE Collection and Sam Bridgewater and Maia Royal of The Pure Food Co.
