Guy Burt came to New Zealand for a wedding and never went home.
More than two decades later, he's bringing that same instinct to his new role: back yourself, commit, and make it work.
As Commercial Manager for ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems, Guy is responsible for two of its business, Duffett and High Performance Doors (HPD). Six months in, he's quickly becoming a familiar face for the customers and teams across both.
London banker, Accidental Kiwi, People person
Guy Burt is the Commercial Manager for Duffett and High Performance Doors, with a straightforward philosophy: people buy from people.
From a London bank to a Kiwi rooftop
Guy's path to Duffett started a long way from Auckland. Originally from West London, he was a bank manager in the UK before he and his wife flew out for his sister's wedding and decided to stay a year. They never left.
His first New Zealand job set the tone for everything that followed: a sales role that had him standing on a rooftop in the East Auckland sun, looking out over the golf course and the coast. "Twenty-seven degrees, and I thought, yeah, this'll do," he laughs.
That was the start of more than twenty years in sales and people leadership across New Zealand, much of it in construction, leading teams of every size and learning, above all, that good business comes down to people.
A people person at heart
Ask Guy what matters most in his role and he won't start with doors. He'll start with people.
"People buy from people," he says, and in his first few months he's spent much of his time simply listening. He's sat down with customers to hear what's working, what isn't, and where the business can do better, and he's made a point of giving them a senior contact they can pick up the phone to whenever they need.
It's a straightforward, honest way of working, and it's already being felt. The team is easier to reach and quicker to respond. As Guy puts it, "it's kind of like it used to be."
Looking ahead
Guy is genuinely excited about where Duffett and High Performance Doors are heading, and about the part he gets to play in it.
"I feel like we're going in the right direction," he says. After a career built on backing himself and making things happen, he's exactly the kind of steady, straight-talking presence customers and teams will be glad to have.
Welcome to the team, Guy.
Guy is always happy to hear from customers. You can reach him directly:
Contact Guy
Guy Burt
Commercial Manager, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems
ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems Auckland Ltd
15 Vogler Drive, Manukau 2104, New Zealand
Mobile: 027 510 0029
guy.burt@assaabloy.com