Charles Dawson

I have solid commercial experience in both large and small businesses garnered from roles in the dental, motor sport events and driver training industries. My core skills are building relationships and being unafraid to explore new opportunities, and ‘looking outside the square’.

A key skill is identifying links between people and bringing them together. My earlier career in the dental industry saw me lead the commercialisation of what was a small family practice into a business with an annual turnover of $8m with 90 staff across three branches, which was later profitably sold to a local dental group. www.proudmouth.co.nz.

Following this I co-founded a driver experience and events business in Taupo, Formula Challenge Events, which we expanded from the traditional ‘for fun’ model to incorporate practical driver training and safety. www.formulachallenge.co.nz As the business evolved and the expectations on operators changed, I realised there was a gap in the market in terms of governance and guidance and set up the Automotive Training and Event Association (ATEA). The aim of the association is to promote safety and ensure operators meet appropriate standards thus giving confidence to our clients, and ensuring the future of the industry.

The driver training aspect of Formula Challenge Events was the link that saw me move into my previous role as General Manager with FleetSafe NZ and now my current role at AutoSense where I am focused on growing the domestic business.

My passion is personal and corporate development, which I define as: assisting organisations and individuals to develop strategies that promote strong governance, planning, personal development, appropriate financial controls and marketing.