Sir Bill Gallagher

Sir William Gallagher KNZM, MBE, HonD is the CEO and Chair of the Gallagher Group, a highly successful Hamilton-based exporter of animal management, fencing and security systems. Sir William has grown the company into one of the largest and most profitable private companies in the Waikato, employing 650 people in New Zealand, 400 overseas and bringing in annual sales of USD160 million.

He has made significant charitable contributions through the Gallagher Group Trust and is a major sponsor of the Rescue Helicopter, Waikato Stadium, Mounted Police, Gallagher Community Swimming Pool, Gallagher Hockey Centre and the Performing Arts Centre at Waikato University.  

Sir William’s achievements and contributions have been officially recognised on numerous occasions. These include his Knighthood in 2011 as well as being inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in 2012, being named Outstanding International Business Leader in 2009, and receiving the Excellence in Communication Leadership Award in 1996. In 1987, he became a Member of the British Empire and in 1990 received the Queen’s Commemorative Medal for services to New Zealand.