Rod Drury is a renowned entrepreneur from New Zealand who became famous as Xero’s founder and former CEO. Xero is an innovative cloud-based accounting software platform created for small and medium-sized businesses. Drury’s entrepreneurial journey and innovative vision have significantly impacted the global software industry and how businesses manage their finances.
Drury started his career in technology and entrepreneurship. He established several successful companies before founding Xero, including Glazier Systems, one of New Zealand’s leading software development companies, which Advantage Group later acquired. He also founded AfterMail, an email archiving and management solution, which Quest Software acquired for USD 45 million in 2006.
In 2006, Drury launched Xero, a company that would revolutionise the accounting software industry. Xero was founded on the principle of making accounting accessible and user-friendly for small business owners. It leveraged cloud technology to offer real-time financial insights and collaboration with accountants. Under Drury’s leadership, Xero expanded globally and was publicly listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
Rod Drury’s vision and leadership at Xero earned him several accolades. He was named New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013. He was included in Forbes’ 2014 list of the World’s Most Innovative Growth Companies. He advocates for New Zealand’s technology sector, pushing for better internet connectivity and technology education.
Drury stepped down as CEO of Xero in 2018 but remains the company’s non-executive director. He continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship in New Zealand and abroad. Drury’s journey from a tech enthusiast to a globally recognised business leader is a testament to his innovative thinking, business acumen, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world of business technology.
