Beatrice Faumuinā

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise – North America team; Sporting legend.

Beatrice Faumuinā is a fearless champion for Pasifika leadership and business in New Zealand. A World Champion, World Cup Champion, four-time Olympian, Halberg Award-winner and two-time Commonwealth Champion and record holder, Beatrice began her leadership journey as one of New Zealand’s sporting heroes and has achieved success again by forging a path of excellence for the next generation of Pasifika leaders.

In 2005, she was awarded the NZOM, New Zealand Officer of Merit for services to Athletics.

In 2006, her generous spirit and the power of her influence was recognised in her appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, in which she was a spokesperson for worldwide hunger.

In 2010, she was approached to be Chief Executive of a new initiative – the BEST Pasifika Leadership Academy. Beatrice, an Aucklander of Samoan descent, took up this position which connected her passion for creating and growing leaders with her entrepreneurial spirit. With an inclusive and bold approach, Beatrice’s leadership of BEST helped to develop a new voice for Pasifika that resonated across the Pacific region and sees individuals fulfilling their true potential, with the support and encouragement of a team.

She then went on to be Head of Talent and People Strategy for ASB, and in 2016 Beatrice will take up a new role in the North America team for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.