[email protected] | 021 102 8493

Strategic Growth Leader. Wired for Impact.

Kia ora, I’m Phil Robinson — I’ve spent the last decade running my own digital design business, working with good people, solving real problems, and helping businesses grow.

Now, I’m ready for the next chapter, one with purpose, a great team, and real impact.

10+ years leading sales, clients, and projects that deliver

Experience across digital, rural, and agri — not just talk

Straight-up communication, solid work ethic, and follow-through

Who Am I

I’ve spent the 14yrs running a design agency, driving sales, leading teams, managing clients, and together building stuff that actually works. Not just flashy marketing, but real tools and strategies that help businesses grow.

I’m pretty laid back, but I get the job done. I’m easy to deal with, I communicate well, and I don’t make things more complicated than they need to be.

Outside of work, husband, I’m a dad, I love sport and music, and I'm a firm believer that a bit of humour goes a long way — even in serious business.

45

YEARS OLD

1

WIFE

2

Kids

2

Dogs

754,924

Golf balls in a Bus

How Many Dudes you know Roll Like this?

My Superpower

Empathy — The Intuitive, Practical Kind

I tend to pick up on things before they’re said. Whether it’s sensing when a client’s going cold, when a team member’s overwhelmed, or when a plan needs to shift — I usually feel it before it shows up in the data.

Some call it intuition, but for me it’s tactical empathy. I listen, I read the room, and I act early. That instinct has helped me build trust, head off problems, and lead with a steady hand, especially when things get messy. It's not just about gut feel; it’s about paying attention and giving a sh*t. (to be fair that can be a flaw at times too)

My Kryptonite

My Flaw (Kind of) = Relentless Optimism.

I tend to believe every challenge can be solved, even when it’s pushing sh*t uphill. It means I don’t give up easily (sometimes when I should), and I’ll often take on more than I need to because I believe there’s always a way through.

It keeps me going, keeps me hopeful… But I’m learning when to pause, zoom out, and let a few things go.

Some Questions You May Have

Find answers to our most frequently asked questions here.

Question 1: Why Me?

Because I’ve done the hard yards. Over the past decade, I’ve run my own digital business, leading sales, managing clients, building our team, and wearing all the hats that come with it. It’s taught me how to solve problems quickly, communicate clearly, and focus on what actually drives results.

I’ve worked with clients across sectors, including rural and agri, and I understand the importance of showing up, backing people, and delivering value where it counts. I’ve led people, managed performance, and built strategies from the ground up — from pipeline through to customer success.

I’m not chasing a title. I’m looking for the right opportunity to contribute meaningfully, grow alongside a team, and be part of something that matters.

Oh, and Glass ceilings? I see them like break fencing, they’re just barriers waiting for a smarter solution.

Question 2: Why Halter?

From the outside looking in, Halter is one of the most exciting companies in New Zealand right now. You’re bold, innovative, and unapologetically ambitious, traits I strongly identify with. The chance to work with a world-class team, lead a high-performing group, and directly contribute to shaping the future of dairy farming in Canterbury? That ticks every box for me.

The opportunity to lead a region, take end-to-end ownership of the customer journey, and help drive meaningful impact on-farm through smart tech, well, that’s the kind of challenge I’ve been looking for.

Question 3: Why Now?

Because the timing couldn’t be better. After years of helping other businesses grow - including many in the agri and rural space - I’m ready to take that experience and apply it to something bigger. I’ve always believed in work that makes a difference, and Halter is doing exactly that.

The chance to combine strategic sales leadership with real-world innovation in a sector I care deeply about is rare, and it’s exactly the kind of challenge I’m ready to commit to. I know how to lead from the front, and I know what it means to carry responsibility — for people, for performance, and for the bigger picture.

What's Shaped Me

Education

14 Years in Business

(a.k.a. The School of Hard Knocks)

(Almost) 22 Years of Marriage

(a.k.a. The School of even harder knocks) 

17 years of being a parent 

The rest is too long ago to remember, but includes stints at... 

SIT (Southern Institute of Technology) 

James Hargest High School 

Kaikoura High School 

Collingwood Intermediate (Invercargill) 

Kaikoura Primary School 

Work History

Back9 Creative: 2011 - Present

Founder & Owner

Vital Signs Southland: 2009 - 2011 

Graphic Designer

Waxy O’Shea’s (ILT): 2010-2012 

Part Time Duty Manager

The Kiln (ILT): 2007-2009 

Assistant Manager

ILT - Head Office 2006 - 2007 

Corporate Trainee

Steel and Tube 2003-2006 

Internal Sales & Admin Role 

The Warehouse Group 1997-2003 

Part-time dogs body 

Ticket Writer 

Floor Supervisor 

Head of Department 

NZ wide Store Development 

Voluntary Roles

Rotary Club of Invercargill Sunrise

2018-2025

Rotarian

Director of Marketing & PR: 2019-2020

President: 2022-2023

Southland Charity Hospital

2019 - Present 

Marketing and Fundraising Committee

Invercargill Club Inc.

2022 - Present 

Board Member

Vice President

Southland Snooker Association

Board Member

Interests & Hobbies

Sports

Sports 

Golf 

Snooker 

Rugby 

Cricket 

Football 

Basketball 

Mountain Biking 

Art and Creative

Digital Illustration 

Drawing & Painting 

Leisure

Family time 

Walking/Running with the Dogs 

Gym

Podcasts 

Audio Books 

Cooking

Important People & Dogs in My Life

© Copyright Phil Robinson 2025