Hello, I’m Simon!

I am a driven and successful former professional athlete, with over eighteen years experience representing our country at the highest sporting level. With an Olympic medal and three America’s Cup titles to my name, I know how to achieve a goal under pressure.

I have always had a keen interest in property and construction, completing a project management course, a bachelor’s degree in business and valuation, as well as a certificate in real estate.

Since making my start in the industry in 2021, I have in-depth experience working on large scale renovations and developments – effectively managing people, timelines and budgets to ensure that project deliverables meet the agreed standards and quality requirements.

– Simon van Velthooven

Experience

Working alongside Cumberland Group, I was the Lead Site Manager for the relocation and refit of ZURU’s new office location at 167 Victoria Street West, the old Spark building. The new office spans over a 3900sqm site over three levels, now consisting of 300 desks, 28 insulated conversation pods, and three new kitchens with a full coffee station. The final outcome providing a warm and desirable work environment for the 270+ employees.

Project manager for the development of a large scale commercial building, consisting of managing the full redevelopment of a 7 hectare site at 167 Pilkington Road, Point England, and then re-leasing the 12 allotments. Continuing from the year long project, I managed the new tenants as well as other property management and development tasks at the following sites; 2 Princes Street, Auckland Central, 5 Mahunga Drive, Māngere Bridge, 8 Taylors Road, Morningside, and 4 Gordon Road, Morningside.

Notable successes:
• 2024 – Winner of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, Spain
• 2021 – Winner of the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand
• 2017 – Winner of the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda
• 2017 – Winner of the 35th America’s Cup Louis Vuitton Challenger’s Trophy in Bermuda

During the testing phase of the 35th America’s Cup, I was asked to be the guinea pig for the early editions of the cycling system. Proving to be efficient, I was recruited as the first of four ‘Cyclor’ positions – contributing to our explosive power and successful campaign in Bermuda.

After the success of the previous campaign, the 36th Cup rule was changed to only use conventional arm grinders. After many years in elite sport, I knew I had the drive and ability to convert my leg power to my arms. Making the sailing team once again, we successfully defended the Cup in New Zealand.

As per America’s Cup tradition, the rule changed yet again back to Cyclors for the 37th edition, and we became the first team in modern history to lift the trophy three times in a row.

Aside from hard training, day to day job-lists constantly evolved to ensure the yacht stayed competitive. General maintenance of parts involved with a Cup yacht ranged from hydraulic, electronic and general boat building. As well as being a Cyclor during the 37th campaign, I was also the shore crew procurement manager. I was responsible for ordering materials and stock taking supplies to ensure the boat builders and shore crew were able to maintain the yacht efficiently.

After the 35th America’s Cup success in Bermuda, I wished to further my knowledge of the yachting world. Between Cup campaigns I worked as an assistant project manager at arguably the best mast production company in the world – assisting in the planning and production of super yacht booms, spars and masts.

Notable successes:
• 2012 London Olympic Games Medallist
• Multiple World Championship and Commonwealth Games Medals

Over my long and successful career as an elite track cyclist for Cycling New Zealand, I was fortunate enough to earn myself and my country an Olympic medal in London 2012, as well as medals at multiple World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

In 2010 at the age of 20, I became the first Kiwi and the youngest ever international invitee to be contracted for a Japanese Keirin season. Living and racing in Japan over five seasons and being part of a ¥660 Billion annual betting industry, taught me invaluable life skills and was a fond experience that I will never forget.

During my career as an athlete I had full control over my training programme working backwards from major competitions with strength coaches to optimise each training block, ensuring my time in gym and on bike was used to its full potential.

After winning my Olympic medal in 2012 I was approached by Giltrap Volkswagen to become a Brand Ambassador, moving to Giltrap ŠKODA in 2014 and then to Tristram European in 2016. For the ten years that I retained this privilege, my main responsibility was to represent the brands and provide professional staff development and motivational speaking where needed. Being a car enthusiast certainly helped sell a few cars to family and friends along the way too!

Delivering speeches and answering Q+A’s about the battles of an elite athlete never really crossed my radar as an aspiring sportsman. After some sporting success and 35+ speaking engagements later, I enjoy sharing my experiences with the business community.

Strengths

Team Player

In any elite sport being a team player can be the difference between success and failure. Being part of successful Olympic and America’s Cup teams, this mentality and work ethic has also been invaluable since moving into the business environment. I don’t hesitate in doing tasks or jobs outside my remit and have an relentless appetite to develop and evolve as a valued team member.

Communication

I pride myself on my ability to communicate with anyone from any walk of life and consider myself a real people person. From racing bikes at an Olympic level in Russia, South Africa and Colombia, to working well with the infamous Grant Dalton – I am able to maintain open and respectful communication on-site, building trust and rapport with stakeholders, suppliers and the wider team.

Management

With years of elite sport under my belt and making my start in the construction industry in 2021, I have in-depth experience thinking clearly under pressure. I am confident organising and managing time-lines, budgets and assigning tasks and responsibilities effectively. I have completed a project management course to further my skill set which compliments my bachelor’s degree in business and valuation as well as my certificate in real estate.

Adaptability

With so many moving parts to large scale projects, it is inevitable complications will arise. I am unflappable when things don’t go to plan and am able to pick up new things and run with them. By brainstorming and implementing structured and creative solutions to address project issues, I am able to get the job delivered on time, on budget and ensure that project deliverables meet the agreed standards and quality requirements.

Education

Courses

Safety ‘n Action

Training Solutions

Honours & Awards

Halberg Awards – Assoc. Emirates Team New Zealand

Halberg Awards – Assoc. Cycling New Zealand

Other