Few people can say they’ve built a company up to rival major global players in their industry, but Marisa Fong is certainly one of them. Marisa, a former Westlaker, was guest speaker at our Academic Prize-Giving last Wednesday (4 November) – and her story was certainly inspiring!
After co-founding Madison Recruitment in 1998, Marisa and co-founder Wynnis Armour grew it into the largest privately-owned recruitment company in New Zealand. In 2013, the business was acquired by a publicly listed company in a multi-million-dollar deal that set a precedent for the industry (and one which still hasn’t been beaten). In doing so, Marisa and Wynnis proved to many in Aotearoa that it is possible to compete against global companies and to expect more when selling.
Since then, she’s gone on to become an angel investor for a number of businesses; she’s a member of Flying Kiwi Angels, NZ Asian Leaders, Institute of Directors, Entrepreneurs’ Organisation and Global Women; and is heavily involved with Professionelle, an organisation set up to help women throughout their careers. She sits on the board of publicly listed IT company Enprise Group, and is a trustee of Simplicity Kiwisaver.
She founded Masimaya Limited, a consultancy that works with founder/owners on their entrepreneurial journey, and has created Arné, an international skincare start-up with an anti-pollution focus.
Although she could have easily rested on her laurels since selling Madison, she’s instead chosen to put her energy, time, and experience towards causes and businesses on which she feels she can have the biggest impact. She continues to leave an indelible mark on New Zealand’s business landscape – and isn’t likely to slow down anytime soon.