Robett Hollis

Robett Hollis is a renowned entrepreneur, speaker, advisor, and investor known for his dynamic approach to business and technology. He was born in 1985 in Arapohue, on the outskirts of Dargaville, New Zealand. He has a rich heritage as Ngāti Porou through his father.

Hollis began his journey as a professional snowboarder, becoming a national champion and silver medalist. He transitioned into business in 2006, when he founded New Zealand’s largest action sports media network. Later, he expanded his venture to include FRONTSIDE, which became one of New Zealand’s leading content consultancy and video production agencies, showing his knack for identifying and capitalising on emerging trends in media and technology.

In February 2018, Saatchi & Saatchi, owned by Publicis Groupe, acquired FRONTSIDE, marking a significant milestone in Hollis’s career. In the same year, he also successfully sold ColabNZ, his shared workspace business, which had grown into New Zealand’s largest network of co-working spaces.

Besides his business ventures, Hollis is committed to supporting the startup and tech ecosystem. He has been a board member for various organisations, including the New Zealand Technology Industry Association and Figure NZ. Robett Hollis is also the founder of the New Zealand Entrepreneurs Festival. He has judged the NZ Hi-Tech Awards and the Innes48 Business Startup Competition.

Hollis’s contributions to business and technology have earned him several accolades, including a place in LinkedIn’s Top 3 Most Influential New Zealanders and Metro Magazine’s Top 10 Innovators of the Year. In 2018, he launched a $50 million initiative to support growing companies in business, showcasing his passion for nurturing talent and fostering entrepreneurial spirit.

Robett Hollis’s journey from a pro snowboarder to a successful entrepreneur inspires aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. His story demonstrates the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and the willingness to embrace new challenges.