text: Brian Ferris - Loyalty NZ
  Brian Ferris will be joining Loyalty NZ as Chief Data and Analytics Officer from Monday, 7 January 2019, based in the Wellington office.
  "After a lengthy international search, we're delighted to welcome Brian to Loyalty NZ. We believe we have found someone who has the passion and energy to build valuable, commercially focussed insights with our partners from one of NZ's largest datasets," says Lizzy Ryley, CEO of Loyalty NZ.
  Ferris joins Loyalty NZ from Nike where he spent the last three and a half years as the EMEA Data and Analytics Director, building and leading the team's capability; migrating the business to the cloud and building an advanced analytics function to deliver value to the business.
  With over 18 years working in Information Technology, Ferris has extensive experience leading data and analytics teams while managing projects and building solutions in a global environment.
  "I'm really looking forward to working at Loyalty NZ and with the LAB360 team. I feel that this is a great opportunity and a natural progression from my work at Nike where I built new platforms and developed pragmatic and commercially focused advanced analytical tools," says Mr Ferris.
  Ferris's leadership skills and commitment to building a culture of diversity, collaboration and innovative thinking will be a great addition to Loyalty NZ's executive leadership team.
  "I'd also like to thank Erin Thomas who has been our Acting Chief Data and Analytics Officer for the past three months. Erin has shown exceptional leadership in her ability to step into this role on a temporary basis and we look forward to working closely with her as Brian transitions into the role," says Ms Ryley.