Advisory Group
Scott Russell
Principal Russell Legal – Commercial and Litigation
Bio
Scott advises and represents SEANZ in all legal matters. Scott has worked at the highest level in private practice, in-house roles and in the government sector.
He started his career in private practice with Bell Gully, before moving to London and Hong Kong with Ashurst. He then moved in-house as Head of Litigation at Virgin Media UK.
On his return to New Zealand Scott worked as Senior Legal Counsel at the Commerce Commission before founding Russell Legal. Scott also has a strong academic background in both business and law having completed an LLB (Hons), a BCom (Economics) where he received the Auckland University Senior Prize and has recently completed his MBA at University of Auckland.
Scott has provided SEANZ with successful and positive outcomes, given his unique ability to solve complex legal problems gained from his practical experience working on all sides of the table.
Chris Talbot
Managing Director – YHI New Zealand
Bio
On completing his Bachelor of Commerce from University of Auckland, Chris held a variety of accounting, branch and sales management positions in the industrial, agricultural and CNG/LPG vehicle conversion sectors. Moving to Cheviot Pacific Ltd, who manufactured and distributed a range of automotive products, Chris was appointed Sales and Marketing Manager. In 1996 Chris established YHI (New Zealand) Ltd who today distribute a wide range of power and automotive products including an extensive portfolio of solar PV and storage and battery brands. YHI maintain six branches across New Zealand and are a major supplier to the industry throughout the country.
Al Yates
Director, Ecotricity
Bio
Al Yates is the CEO of Ecotricity, New Zealand’s first and only Toitū climate positive certified 100% renewable electricity provider. Ecotricity are leaders in supporting the independent development of rooftop and large scale solar farms and the rollout of high powered EV chargers.
Al has served on the board of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association, ChargeNet, the Market Development Advisory group for the EA.
Al has been involved in the telco sector through founding Brightpoint NZ and wind industry and is a co-founder of Snowplanet.
