“What Rod and Xero have accomplished as you all know is very rare and extrordinary. Rod is one of the technology industries rare and visionary leaders.” Mr Vamos consulted to Xero when it first set up in Australia and has been “working with” the accounting platform for 18 months. He is currently a director at Telstra and Fletcher Building, roles he plans to continue while chief executive of Xero subject to work load. Mr Vamos has been the chief executive of Microsoft Australia, managing director of Apple in Australia and New Zealand and chief executive of ninemsn.
Company
Joe is responsible for Xerox’s worldwide books of account, external and internal financial reporting and finance systems. For accountants and bookkeepers, Xero helps build a trusted relationship with small business clients through online collaboration. The company has three offices in New Zealand , six offices in Australia , three offices in the United Kingdom , three offices in the United States , as well as offices in Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Africa. Prior to joining Xero, Damien spent 13 years at Deloitte in a number of senior executive roles. Damien leads Xero’s global strategy and corporate development teams, and oversees Xero’s strategic planning activities through the Integration Management Office and the Project Manager Office.
Xero founder Rod Drury steps down
The company continued its global reach, expanding into Australia and the United States. Xero, a key player in cloud accounting, went public on the NZX on June 5, 2007, raising NZ$15 million. The company’s initial public offering (IPO) on the New Zealand Exchange (NZX) in 2007 was a pivotal moment, setting the stage for its future growth. The early growth of the Xero company was marked by rapid expansion and strategic investments. The company’s focus on innovation and its commitment to the cloud have set it apart from competitors. The IPO raised NZ$15 million, providing the necessary capital for product development and growth.
- After university, he worked at the accounting firm Arthur Young, which became Ernst & Young in 1989.
- He is currently a director at Telstra and Fletcher Building, roles he plans to continue while chief executive of Xero subject to work load.
- The company’s shares are primarily held by individual and institutional investors.
- Rod Drury co-founded software company Xero in 2006.
- In January 2015, the company moved into a new office in Broomfield, Colorado.
- Wellington — 6 July, 2021 — Xero, the global small business platform, today marked its 15th anniversary since becoming a registered company in Wellington, New Zealand.
As of July 2025, the company’s market capitalization is approximately A$23.768 billion, reflecting the company’s continued expansion and investor confidence. By September 2019, the company’s market capitalization on the ASX had surpassed NZ$10 billion. This move was intended to attract a more diverse investor base, including global and technology-focused investors. The company’s current market capitalization and ownership structure reflect its evolution since its early days. The company’s journey from a startup to a global player is a testament to its founders’ vision and strategic execution. For more insights into the company’s strategic growth, you can read about the Growth Strategy of Xero.
Xero is the emerging global leader of online accounting software. Colin has over 12 years of experience in the accounting profession and has expertise in cloud accounting software implementation, development and best practice. He is an established global technology and software human resources executive, multi-time Chief People Officer, board member and advisor with more than 25 years’ experience. These financial maneuvers and acquisitions highlight the company’s proactive approach to maintaining its market position and driving future growth.
She has over ten years of experience across global financial services, technology, and media. He also founded and scaled Swift Financial into a US $300M lending platform with US $100M in ARR — supporting thousands of small businesses — before its acquisition by PayPal. Before founding Melio in 2018, Matan sold his first fintech company to PayPal, where he subsequently led the peer-to-peer payments business globally and served as the GM of a PayPal R&D Center in Israel.
In January 2015, the company moved into a new office in Broomfield, Colorado. They also hired Dennis Driscoll, who has previously worked for Avia, Crocs, Dr. Martens, and Wilson Sporting Goods, as chief product officer. Check out our latest https://www.musclecar.com.au/outsource-accounting-services-with-fgc-3/ Xero blog posts for tips and insights, hot topic articles, and interviews with business leaders and experts. View profiles of Xero’s regional leaders, executives and Board. Xero software is developed using Microsoft’s .NET development environment over resilient SQL server databases, on a Windows application server infrastructure.
Market Expansion Strategy
Drury co-founded Pacific Fibre, a company which attempted to build an internet cable between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. In 1995, Drury established Glazier Systems, a New Zealand software development and consulting company. He subsequently established Context Connect and an email technology company called Aftermail. Drury made his initial fortune through Glazier Systems, a New Zealand software development and consulting company, which was sold in 1999. From a high school student fascinated by computing to the founder of a $10 billion company, Drury has not only disrupted an industry but also redefined what’s possible for entrepreneurs from small markets like New Zealand. His legacy extends beyond the company, inspiring a generation of entrepreneurs to think globally and embrace innovation.
From the outset, the company’s strategy included an early IPO to secure capital for its ambitious plans to go global. This provided the necessary financial resources to properly launch the company. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a publicly traded company, the story of Xero’s ownership reveals a fascinating journey of growth and adaptation. He stated the sale would support his “future plans to pursue a range of philanthropic and social endeavours.” He stepped down as CEO of Xero in March 2018, continuing on with the company as a non-executive director. Kirsty is a FCA and FCPA with more than 25 years’ global experience in the finance and technology sectors across New Zealand and the UK at companies including PwC, BBC Technology, Jade and Siemens.
Xero Accounting Integration
Xero CEO Rod Drury has announced he will be stepping down from the chief executive position at the company he founded 11 years ago. The cloud accounting firm cum small business platform has made four major product announcements at Xerocon, including a program to help individuals actively re-skill for a tech-savvy future. In his role, Jacques-Edouard leads the company’s go-to-market teams in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Eurasian countries to bring Xerox’s full portfolio of products, services and software to clients and partners. In July 2006 Drury founded Xero, a publicly listed software as a service accounting-software company, and served as its CEO.
- The inspiration for Xero came as cloud computing began to emerge, offering the potential for real-time, global access to software.
- Although Rod Drury stepped down as CEO in 2018, he remains deeply involved with Xero as its largest shareholder and non-executive director.
- In September 2024, Xero announced the acquisition of cloud-based reporting, insights and analytics platform Syft Analytics for up to US$70 million.
- Small businesses are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals due to limited security infrastructure and lack of awareness.
- TheBoardlist is an online marketplace that connects CEOs who are looking for board candidates with women who are peer-endorsed for private and public tech company boards.
- Small businesses make up more than 90% of all businesses by number across OECD countries, so their success or otherwise has a direct effect on the greater economy.
Xero’s founder Rod Drury is stepping down as chief executive of the accounting software company to be replaced by Steve Vamos. Rodney Kenneth Drury (born 1966) is a New Zealand technology entrepreneur, predominately known for his association with accounting software company, Xero. She is the CEO of Xero, a New Zealand-based accounting software company, and former president of StubHub.
Xero Analytics Plus offers advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, providing users https://www.riverlino.com/adp-workforce-now-2026-verified-reviews-pros-cons/ with deeper insights into their financial data. Understanding the Xero history provides insights into its strategic decisions and growth trajectory. The company’s transition to a sole listing on the ASX occurred on February 5, 2018, delisting from the NZX. Xero’s early growth phase was characterized by strategic investments and acquisitions. To learn more about their business model, consider reading Revenue Streams & Business Model of Xero.
Sukhinder Singh Cassidy
Sukhinder also served as the business founder at fintech pioneer Yodlee from 1999 to 2003. Prior to StubHub Sukhinder spent seven years in ecommerce, founding video commerce pioneer Joyus and premium talent marketplace theBoardlist. Sukhinder Singh Cassidy as CEO in February 2023, and other executive appointments.
This Mission, Vision & Core Values of Xero article delves into the company’s core principles. The company has xero founder undergone strategic shifts, including a focus on cost discipline under CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, who stepped down in February 2023. Xero faces strong competition in the US market, particularly from Intuit (Quickbooks), which has a significant market share. Owners & Shareholders of Xero provides more insights into the company’s structure and ownership.
In today’s hyper-connected digital landscape, customers no longer discover businesses through traditional channels alone. Running a small business successfully requires more than generating revenue—it demands smart financial planning. Small businesses are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals due to limited security infrastructure and lack of awareness. In the 2026 New Year Honours, Drury was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to business, the technology industry and philanthropy.
He established several successful companies before founding Xero, including Glazier Systems, one of New Zealand’s leading software development companies, which Advantage Group later acquired. Drury started his career in technology and entrepreneurship. His entrepreneurial impact has earned him global recognition, including EY New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year, NZ Herald Business Leader of the Year, and a spot in the NZ Hi-Tech Hall of Fame. His support spans education, conservation and regeneration, renewable energy, retail payments architecture reform, electricity market disruption, and public policy advocacy. The company set a benchmark in the tech industry, when Drury established the Xero Staff Welfare Trust to support staff in times of need. Xero has grown to become New Zealand’s second largest tech exporter, generating thousands of jobs across more than 25 locations, with more than four million customers globally.
These changes reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the executive team for global growth and strategic alignment. These shifts in major shareholding have enabled Xero to attract substantial capital, allowing it to invest in global growth and expand its product offerings. Ever wondered about the driving forces behind the global success of Xero, a leader in cloud accounting?
Initially based out of their home office, in late 2012, Sashen and Phoenix moved the company to a building on Conestoga Court in Boulder, Colorado. Xero Shoes was founded by Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, a married couple who started the company in 2009. Founded in 2009 by Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, the company’s initial product was DIY sandals made only of a rubber sole and laces, but the company later introduced ready-made sandals and closed-toed shoes. For further corporate company information https://spidigital.id/accounting-for-investments/ or media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications at Download the Xero Reviewer’s Guide to get a comprehensive overview of Xero and our small business accounting solution. Read case studies of small businesses and accountants currently using Xero.
However, successful entrepreneurs do not avoid risk; they understand it, manage it, and use it strategically to drive growth. A single data breach can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal consequences. In today’s digital-first business environment, cybersecurity is no longer a concern only for large corporations.
He says that overcoming his stutter was crucial to starting the Xero business. After university, he worked at the accounting firm Arthur Young, which became Ernst & Young in 1989. Drury is the son of a tradesman and an executive assistant and grew up in Hawke’s Bay.



