Lee Brown

  • NSC
  • Head of Operations
  • lee at hospitality dot org dot nz

With a career spanning more than 25 years, Lee brings a wealth of experience across multinationals, family-owned enterprises, NFPs, FMCG, manufacturing, and hospitality. She is known for her strategic leadership and execution, particularly in partnerships, events, and brand development.

At HNZ, Lee leads major national initiatives including the Hospitality NZ Conference, the Estrella Damm Top 50 NZ Gastropubs, and the Awards for Excellence. She also sits on both the Grow Tourism Advisory Board and the NZ Chefs Board, contributing expertise in industry engagement, event design, and sector growth.

Lee holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and an MBA from Charles Sturt University, and has a strong passion for building brands with purpose and profile.

Originally from Australia, Lee has called New Zealand home since 2017. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her at the gym, on the beach, or catching up on the latest V8 Supercars action — coffee firmly in hand.