Cottonsoft has a variety of people from different countries and cultures, making the company an especially vibrant place to work. Ideas and suggestions are shared willingly and, as often goes, these transform from mere words into actions, where results are realised and celebrated.

At Cottonsoft, it’s all about attitude and the genuine desire to be the best we can be.

Kim Calvert - Country Manager

I joined Cottonsoft in early 2011 to recruit and develop a Sales and Marketing team for the future before becoming Country Manager at the start of 2012.

I commenced my career with Woolworths and worked in Christchurch, Otago (including WW Andy Bay- across the road from where Cottonsoft is today), Taranaki, Wellington and Auckland Support Office. Since leaving WW, I have worked in senior sales roles in Weston Foods, Colgate Palmolive & Villa Maria Estate.

I believe that a company succeeds through great people working together. Cottonsoft has a proud history of local people providing fantastic products, tailored to and mostly converted in our local markets and that is where our focus is; running our Dunedin and Auckland facilities and providing our product to Kiwis.

Chris Batchelor - National Operations Manager

I have been with Cottonsoft for 10 years in various roles commencing as National Logistics Manager in August 2003. Prior to Cottonsoft I spent time in the Transport, Print and Primary sector.

My personal philosophy on life and on working is all about balance and perspective; we only get one opportunity to live this life so we must do the best that we possibly can everyday for family, work and oneself.

One thing that I enjoy about coming to work each day is that it is never boring, something different presents itself most days. The Operations Team is a critical link in the Cottonsoft chain, they either make or source everything that we sell. Each person in the team has an important part to play.

Joe Bolton - Head of Sales

Joe joined Cottonsoft in July 2015, having recently managed the transition of Stuart Alexander (NZ) to their new partner and shareholder.

Joe has an extensive background in senior FMCG roles for over 20 years, including Country Manager - Stuart Alexander, GM – Momentum Brands and GM Sales – George Weston Baking. Earlier in his career, Joe held roles with major FMCG companies such as Tegel, Hansells, Arnotts and Frucor; originally starting as a Sales Merchandiser for ENZA and working his way into more senior roles through his FMCG career.

Evan Fitzpatrick - Head of Finance

I am delighted to have started with Cottonsoft in June 2016. Previously I have worked in the FMCG (George Weston), new vehicle (Nissan) and paper (Reclaim) industries. In my career I have gained a breadth of experience that includes numerous system implementations, the formation of a finance function and a company merger, I look forward to adding to this at Cottonsoft.

We spend a lot of our time at work so it needs to be a satisfying and rewarding part of our lives. I like to work in an environment that encourages teamwork, collaboration, achievement, continuous improvement and where we can have fun every day. It is also important that we are safe at work every day so I am pleased that Cottonsoft has a zero harm goal for our people.

Cottonsoft is a well regarded NZ brand and I am committed to contributing to its ongoing success by making it a great company to do business with and a great company to work for.

David McLeod - Territory Manager, Lower South Island. Based in Dunedin

The best thing about working at Cottonsoft for me is the people; there are not a lot of companies of our size that you can talk to the team in the production area, and then go and talk to the Country Manager for New Zealand.

Denise Calver - Senior Brand Manager. Based in Auckland

I like working for Cottonsoft because it is New Zealand based company with local products and local suppliers and we have created strong market growth and great results which is rewarding. I work with a friendly team of great people and enjoy coming to work each day.

Michelle Morton - Wellington Territory Manager. Based in Wellington

I enjoy being part of the fun and friendly team at Cottonsoft.

Jeremy Blair - Team Leader. Based in Dunedin

I have worked for Cottonsoft since 2000, starting off at the end of the line, hand stacking product as a temporary staff member and have worked my way up to a team leader role. I am grateful to Cottonsoft for the opportunities given to me and I enjoy my time working for this business.

Rob Ansell - Auckland Territory Manager. Based in Auckland

I joined Cottonsoft to work in a highly competitive category and continue to build strong mutually beneficial relationships with my customers.

Nicky Standring - Accounting/IT Technician. Based in Dunedin

I’ve been at Cottonsoft for about sixteen years and have been involved in various areas of the organisation. No day is ever the same and the people are great – that’s why I’m still here!

Rivka Thomas - National Logistics Manager. Based in Auckland

I joined Cottonsoft in 2013. I genuinely enjoy working here. There is always a buzz about the place and no two days are ever the same. We have a great team around the country that makes Cottonsoft the great company it is.

Greg Gavegan - Quality Assurance Manager. Based in Dunedin

I started working for Cottonsoft (then Plypac Industries) in 1989. My early years were dedicated to Production then I moved into the Quality Management role in 2002. It has been extremely rewarding to help the company grow from its humble beginnings to the market leader it is today.

My core responsibilities are Management of our Quality System, Environmental Compliance and Technical Support. I enjoy the variety this role delivers, especially the cross departmental aspect and establishing strong relationships with suppliers, customers and certification bodies.