Steven Newman

Steven Newman is a highly esteemed and well-known personality in New Zealand’s technology industry. He has played a pivotal role in co-founding two technology companies, EROAD and Navman. He is renowned for his leadership, innovation, and deep understanding of the constantly evolving technological landscape. Newman’s journey in the tech world is an inspiring saga of ambition, hard work, and relentless pursuit of innovation.

Newman’s academic background includes engineering studies in New Zealand, where he attended primary schools in Onepoto and Verran’s Road, Birkdale Intermediate, and Northcote College before earning his Bachelor of Engineering from Auckland University. His career began in 1986 as a project engineer at Hennessy Grading Systems, where he quickly rose to the position of R&D manager at 23, leading a team of 35 engineers. Newman was then sent to the Netherlands to stabilise and grow Hennessy Europe, which he accomplished by honing his skills and expanding his perspective.

In 1993, Newman joined Talon Research & Development Limited, which later became Navman. He partnered with Sir Peter Maire to embark on a transformative journey to create innovative marine electronics, car navigation, fleet tracking, and GPS applications. Newman brought his visionary insights to the table, and together, they developed over 400 products, many of which were world-firsts, and turned Navman into a beacon of innovation. Their efforts culminated in Navman’s sale to Brunswick in 2003 for a staggering $112 million, a testament to their vision and tenacity.

After leaving Navman in 2006, Newman pursued a quieter life as a consultant. However, his love for innovation was too strong to ignore. In 2007, he discovered EROAD, a start-up that aimed to redefine road user charging systems. Newman saw more than just a company; he saw a future where technology could change the transportation landscape. Under Newman’s leadership, EROAD expanded to Australia and the USA, achieving a successful IPO on the NZX in 2014. The company has achieved significant milestones with revenue growth to $52 million and a team of over 240 members, all thanks to their relentless pursuit of innovation.

Steven Newman’s journey is a shining example of how a visionary can transform industries and set new paradigms. His story inspires others to pursue their dreams with ambition, insight, and determination, and he has left an indelible mark on the technology industry in New Zealand and beyond.