An international search for a Hynds Entrepreneurial Fellow has now finished, and the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Rachor.

The newly established Hynds Entrepreneurial Fellows Programme aims to embed innovation and entrepreneurship into the curricula across the University of Auckland by working with and supporting academics from all faculties and disciplines. To achieve this, a Community of Practice is to be established, led by Peter – the Hynds Entrepreneurial Fellow Learning Designer. Specialist staff will work with faculty to introduce and integrate innovation and entrepreneurship concepts into courses, delivered in a language and context that is familiar and resonates with students. The programme of work aims to develop the entrepreneurial mindset and capability of students and facilitate their engagement with the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Peter Rachor brings a wealth of varied experience to the role as a former senior executive and an entrepreneur in his own right, with experience in mobile, web and biomedical technologies. His impressive resume includes positions such as the General Manager of Mobile Communications for British Telecom, Managing Director, Emerging Markets at Octel and founder of two successful multi-million dollar Silicon Valley start-ups, one of which was acquired by a NASDAQ-listed company. Peter also consulted for the prestigious Los Alamos National Laboratory, an innovation behemoth.

His recent academic career has included positions as the Director of Venture Development at the University of New Mexico and Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Portland.

Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Wendy Kerr says “We are fizzing with excitement to have Peter join our team.  Peter will play a vital role in helping us to evolve tertiary education to unleash the entrepreneurial potential of our students. This fellowship is further evidence of the University’s commitment to developing business-savvy, entrepreneurially-minded graduates to ensure New Zealand’s longer-term economic prosperity.

“Our gratitude goes to the Hynds family for enabling this fellowship to happen. The Hynds group is proudly New Zealand owned and has built its reputation on innovation. Their recognition of the importance of ensuring our country’s next generation of innovators is something we share.”

Peter Rachor will join the University of Auckland on 1 June.
Learn more about the Hynds Entrepreneurial Fellows Programme.

Peter Rachor, Hynds Entrepreneurial Fellow at the University of Auckland.