In a partnership with Institute of Directors (IoD), Julia Bentley, who has co-owned MTF’s Central Otago franchise for seven years, joins the lender’s board as a ‘future director’.
The initiative is designed to nurture the next level of governance talent by giving aspiring directors the opportunity to observe and contribute — but not vote — at board level.
A former bank manager, Bentley’s experience encompasses banking, finance, operations management and voluntary governance.
In that latter role she’s been active in the Queenstown community — she’s currently chair of the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team and been president of the Remarkables Primary School Parents Association and secretary of the Queenstown Swimming Club.
"I’m passionate about leadership that balances commercial performance with community values," Bentley says.
As an MTF future director, starting next month, she’s looking to learn from seasoned directors, "while contributing meaningfully to a business I know from the ground up".
MTF chair Mark Darrow says the company’s proud to support IoD’s programme — it’s had six future directors serve board stints since 2023 — and be part of Bentley’s development.
"Julia is exactly the kind of future-focused leader this programme’s designed to support — grounded in operational experience, strong on values and deeply connected to her community."
