Craig
Hudson

Craig Hudson is a champion for wellbeing in business and deeply passionate about the success of scaling New Zealand businesses and what that means for Aotearoa's prosperity.

Background

Growing up in Tauranga on a Kiwifruit orchard with his Mum and two sisters, Craig found school challenging but held onto a dream of becoming an All Black. He went on to have a very successful career in professional rugby for eight years, being selected for the Crusaders during one of their most successful periods and going on to play internationally in France, England and Wales. During this time Craig struggled with the effects of imposter syndrome living in an extremely high pressure environment. Craig's contract was terminated due to illness and upon returning to New Zealand, Craig continued to struggle with his mental health.

Upon receiving a role at a supportive family owned business in New Zealand, Craig was able to thrive and ultimately receive the help he needed to improve his wellbeing.

Alongside his wife and four children, Craig moved to the United Kingdom where he began his career at Xero, working through the company leading Xero's entrance into Europe, the Middle East and South Africa. Returning to New Zealand in 2017, where Craig was Managing Director for Xero New Zealand and Pacific Islands before finishing this role in 2022. Craig was a key member of the senior executive team at Xero responsible for driving relationships with government, financial institutions, enterprise and promoting the small business economy. His work has created a huge impact on mental health in businesses around Aotearoa with a focus on wellbeing support for small business.

From February of 2023, Craig will take on his new role at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, as NZTE's General Manager, Export Customers where he looks forward to sharing his authentic leadership and culture building expertise.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Craig has been recognised for his work around mental health in business and has been awarded the Walk the Talk Award at Diversity Works, was a semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year and was voted The Most Inspiring Individual in Tech at the Hi-Tech Awards.

The work he achieved during his time at Xero has emphasised the importance of looking after employees' mental health and included championing the introduction of wellbeing leave, flexible working practices, and the development of an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Craig has been hugely influential in putting the spotlight on the stresses small businesses face, including setting up a programme offering mental health support to 5000 small business owners, their employees and families via access to anonymous counselling through its Employment Assistant Programme.

Alongside being a role model and leader in wellness, Craig actively encourages a diverse workplace where team members are free to share their ideas and concerns. Most importantly to him though, he is a husband and Dad to four.

As a speaker, Craig shares his mental health journey and the importance of giving the people in your business purpose, vision, leadership and trust to support wellbeing in your organisation.