New Zealand Defence Force Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

New Zealand Defence Force has 10 executives leading key functions including strategic operations, technology, financial management, information systems, and human resources.

Committed to national security and global peacekeeping, New Zealand Defence Force maintains operational excellence across the Navy, Army, and Air Force to protect sovereign interests and support international stability.

Leadership Roles at New Zealand Defence Force

  • Chief Financial Officer - Bridget Marks
  • Senior Accounts Administrator & Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Finance - Epifania Teofilo
  • Chief of Staff - Wright Ltcol
  • Chief Technology Officer - Mark Baddeley
  • Chief Information Officer - Onzm Carl Nixon
  • Defence HR Chief of Staff - Ben Ryan
  • Information Command, Zealand Defence Force Chief of Staff - Caroline Rosanowski
  • Chief of Staff, Headquarters NZ Defence Force - Grant Motley
  • Defence Logistics Command Chief of Staff - Nick Cresswell
  • Defence Intelligence Chief of Staff - Maj Quin Brent
  • Bridget Marks - Chief Financial Officer

    Bridget Marks, the Chief Financial Officer at New Zealand Defence Force, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the entire organization. Overseeing the distribution of resources across the Navy, Army, and Air Force, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the New Zealand Defence Force maintains financial accountability while meeting operational requirements. This role involves rigorous analysis of expenditure patterns to optimize the funding of national defense initiatives. By implementing robust financial controls, Bridget Marks supports the long-term sustainability of military programs. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with government stakeholders to secure necessary funding for equipment upgrades and personnel training. Through strategic financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer enables the armed forces to execute complex missions with precision. This leadership position remains essential for balancing the fiscal demands of a modern military with the necessity of maintaining high-readiness capabilities across all operational theaters.

    Epifania Teofilo - Senior Accounts Administrator & Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Finance

    Epifania Teofilo, the Senior Accounts Administrator & Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Finance at New Zealand Defence Force, manages the intricate accounting structures that underpin corporate operations. Overseeing the accuracy of financial reporting, the Senior Accounts Administrator & Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Finance ensures that the New Zealand Defence Force adheres to strict regulatory standards. This role involves the meticulous tracking of corporate expenditures and the reconciliation of complex accounts across various departments. By providing detailed financial insights, Epifania Teofilo supports the executive team in making informed decisions regarding resource allocation. The Senior Accounts Administrator & Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Finance works to streamline administrative processes, reducing overhead and increasing the efficiency of financial operations. Through the diligent management of corporate funds, the Senior Accounts Administrator & Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Finance ensures that the organization remains fiscally responsible. This leadership role is vital for maintaining the transparency and stability of the financial systems supporting the armed forces.

    Wright Ltcol - Chief of Staff

    Wright Ltcol, the Chief of Staff at New Zealand Defence Force, coordinates high-level strategic planning across all military branches. Managing the integration of operational directives, the Chief of Staff ensures that the New Zealand Defence Force maintains readiness for national defense and international peacekeeping missions. This role involves constant collaboration with senior commanders to align tactical deployments with government policy. By streamlining communication channels between the headquarters and field units, Wright Ltcol optimizes the efficiency of the entire organization. The Chief of Staff oversees the implementation of complex defense protocols, ensuring that every branch functions in harmony during critical operations. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the Chief of Staff supports the overarching mission of protecting the nation. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the operational integrity of the armed forces across the Pacific region and beyond.

    Mark Baddeley - Chief Technology Officer

    Mark Baddeley, the Chief Technology Officer at New Zealand Defence Force, architects the digital infrastructure required for modern military operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced defense technologies, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the New Zealand Defence Force remains at the forefront of technical capability. This role involves managing complex procurement cycles for hardware and software systems that support national security. By driving innovation in communication networks, Mark Baddeley enhances the situational awareness of field units operating in diverse environments. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with international partners to standardize technical protocols, facilitating seamless cooperation during joint peacekeeping missions. Through the deployment of secure, scalable systems, the Chief Technology Officer strengthens the resilience of the entire defense network. This leadership role directly impacts the ability of the armed forces to respond effectively to emerging threats in an increasingly digital global landscape.
    Mark Baddeley

    Onzm Carl Nixon - Chief Information Officer

    Onzm Carl Nixon, the Chief Information Officer at New Zealand Defence Force, directs the management of critical data assets and information security protocols. Overseeing the protection of sensitive intelligence, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the New Zealand Defence Force maintains secure communication channels across all branches. This role involves developing comprehensive strategies for data governance and cyber defense to mitigate risks in a volatile global environment. By modernizing information systems, Onzm Carl Nixon improves the speed and accuracy of decision-making processes for military leadership. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with technical teams to implement advanced encryption and monitoring tools that safeguard national interests. Through the continuous improvement of information architecture, the Chief Information Officer supports the operational effectiveness of the armed forces. This leadership role remains central to maintaining the integrity of the defense network while facilitating seamless information flow during complex international peacekeeping operations.

    Ben Ryan - Defence HR Chief of Staff

    Ben Ryan, the Defence HR Chief of Staff at New Zealand Defence Force, directs the human capital strategy for the entire military organization. Overseeing recruitment, training, and personnel development, the Defence HR Chief of Staff ensures that the New Zealand Defence Force maintains a highly skilled and motivated workforce. This role involves designing comprehensive programs to support the well-being and career progression of service members. By aligning personnel capabilities with operational needs, Ben Ryan strengthens the readiness of the Navy, Army, and Air Force. The Defence HR Chief of Staff collaborates with leadership to implement policies that foster a culture of excellence and inclusivity. Through the effective management of human resources, the Defence HR Chief of Staff supports the long-term retention of talent within the armed forces. This leadership position remains critical for ensuring that the organization possesses the necessary expertise to execute complex national defense and peacekeeping missions.

    Caroline Rosanowski - Information Command, Zealand Defence Force Chief of Staff

    Caroline Rosanowski, the Information Command, Zealand Defence Force Chief of Staff at New Zealand Defence Force, coordinates the flow of strategic information across the command structure. Overseeing the integration of intelligence and communication assets, the Information Command, Zealand Defence Force Chief of Staff ensures that the New Zealand Defence Force maintains a clear operational picture. This role involves managing the interface between information technology units and field commanders to facilitate rapid response capabilities. By streamlining the dissemination of critical data, Caroline Rosanowski enhances the coordination of joint military operations. The Information Command, Zealand Defence Force Chief of Staff works to ensure that all information systems are synchronized with the broader strategic objectives of the organization. Through the effective management of command information, the Information Command, Zealand Defence Force Chief of Staff supports the overall mission of national security. This leadership role is essential for maintaining operational superiority in a complex information environment.

    Grant Motley - Chief of Staff, Headquarters NZ Defence Force

    Grant Motley, the Chief of Staff, Headquarters NZ Defence Force at New Zealand Defence Force, manages the daily operations of the central command facility. Overseeing the administrative and operational functions of the headquarters, the Chief of Staff, Headquarters NZ Defence Force ensures that the New Zealand Defence Force maintains seamless coordination between the executive leadership and the various military branches. This role involves facilitating high-level meetings and ensuring that strategic directives are communicated effectively throughout the organization. By optimizing the workflow within the headquarters, Grant Motley supports the rapid execution of national defense policies. The Chief of Staff, Headquarters NZ Defence Force works to maintain the operational readiness of the central command, ensuring that all necessary resources are available for decision-makers. Through the diligent oversight of headquarters activities, the Chief of Staff, Headquarters NZ Defence Force enables the armed forces to function as a cohesive unit during critical missions.

    Nick Cresswell - Defence Logistics Command Chief of Staff

    Nick Cresswell, the Defence Logistics Command Chief of Staff at New Zealand Defence Force, directs the supply chain and logistical support systems for the entire military. Overseeing the movement of equipment, fuel, and personnel, the Defence Logistics Command Chief of Staff ensures that the New Zealand Defence Force maintains the necessary logistical footprint to support operations globally. This role involves managing complex distribution networks that span across various regions to ensure that field units remain fully equipped. By optimizing inventory management and transport logistics, Nick Cresswell enhances the sustainability of military deployments. The Defence Logistics Command Chief of Staff works closely with procurement teams to ensure that essential supplies are delivered on time and within budget. Through the effective coordination of logistical assets, the Defence Logistics Command Chief of Staff supports the operational success of the armed forces. This leadership role is vital for maintaining the mobility and endurance of the military in diverse operational theaters.

    Maj Quin Brent - Defence Intelligence Chief of Staff

    Maj Quin Brent, the Defence Intelligence Chief of Staff at New Zealand Defence Force, coordinates the collection and analysis of strategic intelligence to support national security. Overseeing the integration of intelligence assets, the Defence Intelligence Chief of Staff ensures that the New Zealand Defence Force maintains a comprehensive understanding of the global threat landscape. This role involves managing the flow of classified information to senior leadership, enabling informed decision-making during critical situations. By driving the development of advanced analytical capabilities, Maj Quin Brent enhances the ability of the armed forces to anticipate and respond to emerging security challenges. The Defence Intelligence Chief of Staff works with international partners to share vital intelligence, strengthening collective defense efforts. Through the rigorous oversight of intelligence operations, the Defence Intelligence Chief of Staff supports the overall mission of protecting the nation. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining the strategic advantage of the military in an unpredictable world.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New Zealand Defence Force Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads New Zealand Defence Force?
    New Zealand Defence Force is led by Bridget Marks (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Epifania Teofilo (Senior Accounts Administrator & Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Finance) and Wright Ltcol (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of New Zealand Defence Force’s executive team?
    The executive team of New Zealand Defence Force includes leaders such as Bridget Marks (Chief Financial Officer), Epifania Teofilo (Senior Accounts Administrator & Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Finance), Wright Ltcol (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does New Zealand Defence Force have?
    New Zealand Defence Force has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in New Zealand Defence Force’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of New Zealand Defence Force includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Senior Accounts Administrator & Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Finance, Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer.