Wayne Kennerley is a prominent New Zealand entrepreneur and retail executive, currently serving as the CEO of Kennerley Gourmet Grocery and Kennerley Retail Ltd. With over 30 years of experience in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, his career is defined by a focus on scalable retail operations, innovative online shopping platforms, and a passion for delivering better outcomes for the community.

Professional Career & Business Ventures

Kennerley’s entrepreneurial drive began at age 15 when he established a vending machine business. While attending university, he grew this venture into the largest of its kind in the Waikato before selling it to Bluebird Foods Ltd, where he transitioned into his first corporate leadership roles.

• FMCG Leadership: He spent over a decade managing major accounts for global entities including Goodman Fielder and Mars Corporation, overseeing high-stakes relationships with New Zealand’s primary supermarket retailers, Foodstuffs and Woolworths.
• Z Energy Retailer: Kennerley currently operates 18 Z Energy Service Stations across South Auckland, leading a workforce of approximately 180 employees. In 2024 and 2025 he and his wife Melanie were awarded the prestigious Z Energy Retailer of the Year title.
• Kennerley Gourmet Grocery (KGG): As CEO of KGG, Kennerley leads a portfolio of high-growth online brands, including The Meat Box, Celebration Box, Paddock to Pantry, and The Wild Rose Florist.
• Strategic Growth: He has been a key figure in challenging the supermarket duopoly through strategic acquisitions. In 2024, KGG acquired the intellectual assets of independent grocers Supie and Huckleberry to further expand his "Paddock to Pantry" nationwide delivery offering.

Education & Community Involvement

• Education: He holds a Bachelor of Management degree from the University of Waikato (1991–1996), majoring in Economics and Marketing.
• Philanthropy: Kennerley has served as the Chairman of the Z Foundation, a charitable trust established in 2016 to support retail staff facing significant hardship. He and Melanie are also active supporters of local charities through the Z Energy "Good in the Hood" initiative.
• Recognition: In 2023, the National Business Review (NBR) featured the Kennerley family on its "Ones to Watch" list, identifying them as emerging leaders in New Zealand wealth creation.