[3] [4] When the company was founded it entered a highly regulated transport market. Don Braid has been with freight and logistics company Mainfreight since 1994, after joining the firm as part of the acquisition of Daily Freightways (where he had been for 16 years). Wed rather own assets than lease them. The Group MD & Director of Mainfreight Limited (NZSE:MFT), Donald Braid The CEO of Mainfreight Limited (NZSE:MFT) is Don Braid, and this article examines the executive's compensation against the backdrop of overall company performance. Zac: Im keen to understand what do you think are common reasons why many businesses fail to reach their maximum potential? Don Braid. You cant see yourself as an employer of 8500 people. For further information, please contact Don Braid, Group Managing Director, telephone +64 9 259 5503, +64 274 961 637 or email don@mainfreight.com. Don Braid, Group Managing Director of Mainfreight Limited, was educated at Timaru Boys High School and has over 43 years experience in freight forwarding and logistics both NewZealand and internationally. Nothing drives home the state of our roads like a trip on a bike. Should it change? As Chairman and Founder, Bruce shares his vision for the Company with the Mainfreight team, bringing a particular focus to quality and our culture. Thats the best way of being able to manage an event like were in right now, but Id say its the best way to run a business at all times.We have some really good systems. Don Braid of Mainfreight Limited presents key insights for directors about freight and supply chain patterns in the current climate. We continue to be optimistic and we are bloody proud of our people who have delivered this record result.. Don: Well, the numbers never lie, right? Bruce Plested, the firm's executive chairman who founded the company in 1978 with $7200 and a 1969 Bedford truck, recalls the day in 1994 when Braid - then a Freightways Group employee - had the job of pitching its Daily Freightways business to Mainfreight, which it acquired that year. And I think ultimately, yes, Im responsible for the business, but I enjoy what I do and having great people and a good lifestyle where I can stay fit and have some fun means the stress levels arent that high. Braid says the company strives to be de-centralised through giving responsibility to all individuals in the business and letting them make decisions. Insight and analysis of top stories from our award winning magazine "Bloomberg Businessweek". In light of current trends, we will provide a nine-month trading update mid-February 2022. Two other directors joined KiwiRail's board earlier this year, Rob Jager and Ed Sims. Out of that, I think weve got the culture really starting to develop. "We need to try and paint the picture around Mainfreight here and what Mainfreight is, that to me is of more interest than whether I like rugby or cricket. He points out that 172 million people live within a 350 km radius of Wim Bosman's headquarters in's-Heerenberg, on the Dutch-German border. Mainfreight Half Year Financial Results 30 September 2021 - NZX Youve got to have good outlets. Wishing you the best in England and when you return to NZ. Im always exploring those opportunities and may be experimenting in particular regions or with particular customers before implementing that across the rest of the business. I think our owner drivers are a key component of the relationship with the customer. Don has led the Mainfreight team through a significant period of change and expansion to become the successful global supply chain logistics provider it is today, operating in 26 countries around the world, with $3+ billion in sales revenue, and he leads a team of 9,240 passionate Mainfreight people all around the world. FINALIST Don: Sometimes I think people dont recognise or believe or have enough passion in what theyve developed. For the latest updates on face to face courses and our safety planning see ourresponse to COVID-19 page. Hi Tanya. I feed off that and suppose the people in our business like seeing that and see it as an example and follow. Youve got to break it down. I could not get out of the car and go and meet a stranger to ask for the business and now I actually prefer to do that! We have been monitoring government updates regarding COVID-19 and are keeping up to date with Ministry of Health guidance with regard to events and public gatherings. What have we got right? Grant Samuel & Associates Ltd. Kate brings to the Board her broad financial and analytical experience acquired in a range of industries, both in New Zealand and overseas. Then we just sat back and allowed the de-centralized process to take over and allowed people to take responsibility to get their businesses sorted and in line. We will probably go back to normal but be ready to adapt, be flexible and look after your people theyll bring the answers to the table for you on what your business will look like in the future. The NZ team, who had really done a great job through the Kaikoura and Christchurch earthquakes, quickly put together a plan on how to react. d***@mainfreight.com. We asked Group Managing Director Don Braid how Mainfreight has become one of New Zealand's most successful companies. Zac: As the leader of Mainfreight, what do you personally focus on to get the team going in the right direction? At Management Magazine, our focus is to inspire New Zealands business leaders and the managers of today and tomorrow to succeed. don@mainfreight.com; Profile. Mainfreight is publicly listed on the NZ Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of $8+ billion. Its whether the toilets clean, the cafeteria clean, have people got a smile on their face? I give them the ability and the responsibility to deliver, and I give them great support and lots of guidance. That means a lot of travel, but the reality is I thought my skills were best used in front of a customer so thats what I focused on. Since the acquisition of the Wim Bosman Group the eurozone has spiralled to the brink of economic disaster, but 52-year-old Braid says doing business on the debt-ravaged continent is nothing other than an "exciting" prospect. Mainfreight completes huge software roll-out, spanning A/NZ, US and And then it was a matter of communication and staying in touch, making sure everyone was okay, making sure any questions were answered. He has issued a New research confirms the importance that NZ business leaders place on reputation, but reveals that many companies need to increase their investment in building and protecting it. Its about the other employees seeing the numbers; dont forget, we share those profits with our people too so theres internal pressure to perform too. In 2006 the New Zealand Mainfreight International and Owens International businesses were also merged to make Mainfreight Owens International Ltd (now Mainfreight International). Its Mainfreights style to offer career progression, giving people here a long-term career in the business, allowing them to find that space to develop the leadership traits. Private parking spaces are also banned at Mainfreight - the group managing director has to find himself a spot in the carpark each morning after he drives through the front gate. Email. How does that actually work, practically? It has been listed on the New Zealand Exchange since 1996. For me its being in the business, with people and in particular with customers. Top 200 : Deloitte/Management magazine Executive of the Year Don Braid In addition, we use tracking cookies, which can collect information about you and follow your internet activity within our website, and possibly outside our website as well. His first job after leaving school was as a clerk with the Shipping Corporation before he moved on to Sea Freightways and then Daily Freightways, which was sold to Mainfreight in 1994. In 2007, Mainfreight acquired Target Logistics, a United States based forwarder with 34 offices, and an extensive agent network. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. Managing director Don Braid said the result was pleasing, particularly in light of supply chain congestion and ongoing lockdown disruptions in most of Mainfreight's markets. Involved in the founding of Kiwibank before taking the top job, Knowles embraces challenge and thrives on delivering top results. This information will be used to measure the effectiveness of our advertising from various channels and to offer you personalised ads. To trust your people too, to give them the responsibility. Indonesia ups trade potential with focus on corporate governance, NZ business needs to invest more in reputation, NZ corporates taking a lead in health & safety. How Does Don Braid's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies? The firm's shares have been one of the best performing stocks on the NZX, returning more than. "There's no bureaucracy or hierarchy or superiority in the business. Media enquiries The trick is to decentralize it and to give them control of the profit and loss, allow them to have sufficient KPIs, and measurement systems to monitor those as quickly as possible so that nothing gets out of control. He has led the company in strengthening its global logistics business and ensuring an increased diversification of revenue streams across many countries, trade lanes and activities provides natural protection for earnings. "He's sporting and tough and makes decisions quite fast," Plested says. While many of its NZX-50 peers have entered a period of stagnation, Mainfreight - it seems - thrives on hard times. "You need some energy and you need to be on the front foot," he says. Kiwis know the firm largely through its blue trucks that ply our highways, but the company also utilises sea, train and air freight to transport goods around the world. With well-established locations that include China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan and Korea, the Mainfreight global network continues to expand year over year. Other Current Directorships: Information and Communication Services Limited (Chairman), Seronic (NZ) Limited, and his family companies. | Theres no cross subsidies. The reality is, this leadership team in New Zealand has been through the earthquakes and the GFC and now the pandemic. The company now expects to spend an additional $338m for property over the next two years, with $156m of that during the current financial year. Although Plested remains the largest shareholder with a 16% stake worth $395m, Braid's more modest 2.79% stake is still worth about $70m - supplemented by annual remuneration of $2.2m in 2017. I think weve done 17 to date since Covid and weve got another six or eight for the next two weeks just for New Zealand and theyve adapted. The firm's Australian domestic freight and logistics division, Mainfreight Distribution, began operations in 1989, with an operation in Sydney. Group managing director Don Braid said it was a significant result for the Mainfreight family, achieved during a tumultuous time in the worlds history and with success in every one of the five regions the company operated. What Can We Conclude About Mainfreight's (NZSE:MFT) CEO Pay? - Yahoo! But the excitement is justified. [4] In 1998, Mainfreight acquired Australian freight forwarder ISS Express lines, subsequently establishing an Australian international freight business. Mainfreight chairman Bruce Plested says Braid is a very complete modern and old-fashioned leader wrapped up in one. "We were exposed to Covid-19 quite early in the piece, probably earlier than many others because of our operations in China. The firm has earned a reputation within the market for being slickly-run. Don Braid (Mainfreight) Credit: Mainfreight . If our team on the dock is seeing poor decision-making thats eroding profitability, they will suffer because they share that profit so there comes internal pressure just as much from them as there is from us, looking at how the business is progressing. Where should we open next? Privacy policy Mainfreight boss Don Braid sees fresh opportunities in China's Belt and Road initiative, writes Bill Bennett. He joined Daily Freightways in 1978, gaining a thorough grounding in all aspects of the business and eventually heading up . Braid has earned a reputation within the market as a straight talker and one of the most effective NZX-50 bosses. The company also noted Brexit issues between the UK and Europe remained a cause of frustration, particularly since January, resulting in considerable delays to freight on the back of more complicated customs formalities. So we have these 282 locations across 20 countries how do we get them each operating at their peak, every day? Brent is a senior reporter based in Queenstown. Some people dont want any more responsibility they find their own ceiling and thats fine. Some of the leading players in the listed retirement sector have been raising capital. Having started out with two employees and one truck in 1978, the company now employs more than 7500 people in 22 countries and generated a net profit of $103m in the 2017 financial year on operating revenue of $2.33 billion. An unabashed promoter of New Zealand success, he has an extensive background in the banking industry in New Zealand and Australia, with senior management experience in marketing, strategic planning, retail services and business development. Its about making sure they dont lose the disciplines that make us who we are but embracing them as people delivering for our customers. Our subscriptions start at $24 / month for individuals. Spearheading the management team at New Zealands largest supply chain logistics and transport company has paid off handsomely for Mainfreight group managing director Don Braid. This is vitally important for all business to remain financially viable and it is where more than often we see business failures and especially in the Building Construction Industries which I was involved in. BRAID, Don - NBR | The Authority since 1970 How do I gain more customers? Mainfreight boss bypasses 'profiteering' global shipping lines - Newsroom He believes in fostering an innovative culture in the organisation and encourages top performances from his teams. Look after your people and theyll look after the business. Mainfreight's straight-talking group managing director has an infectious zest for business. Do also serves as a member of the Board of the Starship foundation. Theyre all networked, but theyre all distanced so we knew we needed to communicate really well with them and have a blueprint that we know would work. Between 1994 and 1997 Mainfreight started acquiring former competitors, such as, Daily Freightways and Chem Couriers in 1994, a 75% shareholding in Lep New Zealand in 1996, and Combined Haulage and Senco Haulage in 1997. Thanks for your comments about Don Braid and Mainfreight. What are the things you do that maybe others dont do that actually make you lead this organization? [8], Headquartered in 's-Heerenberg, The Netherlands, Wim Bosman is privately held and operates more than 1,000 transport units, manage more than 275,000m2 of cross-docking facilities and warehouse area, and employ roughly 1,414 staff within 14 branches located in The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Romania, Poland, and Russia. He is 100 percent dedicated to Mainfreight and its future and has led the company in consolidating its position as an international business, progress which will bring rewards not only for that company but for New Zealand as it continues to expand offshore. Zac: Mainfreight is obviously a massive employer with almost 9000 staff across the world. "That gives us an enormous amount of opportunity.". Other finalists were: Briscoe Group managing director Rod Duke, NZX chief executive Mark Weldon, ex-Fonterra chief executive Andrew Ferrier, Xero founder Rod Drury, LanzaTech chief executive Jennifer Holmgren, Ngai Tahu Holdings Corp chief executive Greg Campbell, TZ1 founding chief executive and former Microsoft New Zealand chief executive Helen Robinson, Farmers/Whitcoulls owners David and Anne Norman and Ryman Healthcare chief executive Simon Challies. Leading reputation management consultant Noke Kiroyan says it is perfectly possible although not always easy to run a business in Indonesia without resorting to corrupt behaviour. As you get bigger, staff engagement and culture becomes more difficult. Biography Zac: What is the Mainfreight way when it comes to culture? Director Profiles | New Zealand - Mainfreight Copyright 2023 Institute of Directors That was uppermost in our mind. [17], "Shareholding Information - Mainfreight Limited", "Mainfreight co-founder Neil Graham dies", "Road transport regulation a controversial measure to protect railways", "Mainfreight announces agreement to acquire Halford International", "Mainfreight breaks into Europe with $227m acquisition", "Mainfreight sues for $18m after shock client loss", "Mainfreight gets $14m payout - drops Euro claim", "The Wim Bosman Group becomes Mainfreight", "Mainfreight sells Pan Orient Project Logistics and its 75% shareholding in LEP (New Zealand and Australia) for over A$83 million", "Mainfreight Limited (Mainfreight) completes sale of Pan Orient Project Logistics", "Target Logistics, Inc. Agrees to be Acquired by Mainfreight Limited", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mainfreight&oldid=1136159997, Daily Freight (NZ), Carotrans (Worldwide), Owens (AU/NZ), ChemCouriers (AU/NZ) Mainfreight Europe (EU), This page was last edited on 29 January 2023, at 01:07. In 1994 Mainfreight purchased the business, and Don went on to hold various senior management roles at Mainfreight prior to his appointment as Managing Director in 2000. Its important to be as flexible as we can to bring an offering that the customer requires during a really tough time. With Covid, the New Zealand team would meet every day for the first four weeks during lockdown. Also, such solid returns might lead to shareholders warming to the idea of a bump in pay. As a Government Minister, Richard was responsible for creating SOEs, deregulating telecommunications and broadcasting, reforming ports, airports, railways and aviation. Those people become good leaders early in the piece they might be only leading a couple of people by the time they make branch manager status but they understand the roles of leadership within Mainfreight. But well and behold, were in the perfect position not a lot of debt, trading really well, coming off a really good financial year the year before. He joined Daily Freightways in 1978, gaining a thorough grounding in all aspects of the business and eventually heading up that company. It's nice to see revenue heading northwards, as this is consistent with healthy business conditions. Photo / Supplied . What do those customers look for from us? It has largely grown earnings and revenue since 2008 and tripled its share price between early 2009 and today. So you need to be committed for the long term.The clich about the beach, the BMW and the boat it looks pretty attractive after 10 years of hard work but what could you have created after a hundred years and have you got something thats a bit special?I think you need passion, energy, belief and the ability to develop people to run the business for the future. "He never talks about himself and always talks about long-term goals," Hunt says. I think its about ready-fire-aim: making sure were steady, allowing decisions to be made, and shaking them up as we get on. Despite international growth and success, Braid is passionate about keeping the company proudly Kiwi-owned and has been an outspoken voice on local transport and infrastructure matters. [14], In September 2007, it was reported by Business Wire that Mainfreight had signed a merger agreement with NYSE American-listed Target Logistics for $2.50 a share; for a total of US$54 million. By becoming a supporter, you'll be helping us expand our independent journalism for the business community. After leaving Timaru Boys' High School Braid joined the New Zealand Shipping Corporation as a clerk in 1976.