Debbie Teale is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience across the private, public and non-profit sectors. She has led four national not-for-profit organisations as their Executive Director and has built a respected consultancy supporting senior leaders on strategy, governance, and organisational impact.

Debbie has been instrumental in shaping the direction and growth of the Pledge since its inception. Her ability to bring together business, government, and industry voices has helped ensure biosecurity remains a priority across the supply chain, and that we continue to build a stronger, more resilient system.

Debbie has a long association with environmental causes to help protect NZ’s unique biodiversity. She was the inaugural Executive Director of The Aotearoa Circle, a collaboration between business and government focused on sustainable prosperity, following a period running the Office of the Chief Executive for the Ministry for the Environment. She also headed the nationally recognisable non-profit, Project Crimson Trust for five years.

As an independent consultant, Debbie’s has undertaken assignments for Save the Kiwi, Predator Free NZ Trust, Biosecurity New Zealand, and cultural sector entities in New Zealand and Australia.

Her leadership has always been values-driven, focused on action, connection, and creating space for real engagement.