They ensure our venues get the support, training and tools they need to create a successful and compliant gaming offering, and that we have a smooth and efficient grants process that delivers maximum benefit back to the community.
Martin Cheer: Managing Director
Martin was Chief Executive of PCL from 2012 to 2022 and was appointed as Managing Director in November 2022. Martin has been involved in the gaming industry since 2005 and is currently on the Board of the Gaming Machine Association of New Zealand. Martin has over 20 years of experience in senior management roles in operations, compliance and risk management and has an MBA from the University of Auckland.
Email: martin@pubcharity.nz Phone: 04 382 4437Craig Denny: Chief Operating Officer
Craig has been General Manager of Pub Charity Limited since 2013 and brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and gaming industry, and has recently been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO). As a former venue operator and manager and now as Christchurch based COO of PCL, Craig leads all aspects of PCL Operations, venue support and technology and is responsible for a significant number of sector initiatives in the areas of player experience, and harm prevention and minimisation.
Email: craig@pubcharity.nz Phone: 021 772 186Ashley Kleinsmith: General Manager: Finance & Grants
Ashley is an experienced corporate and SME accountant who practised in his former homeland of South Africa before moving with his family to New Zealand. He joined Pub Charity Limited in 2017 and now heads the Finance and Grants team as the General Manager: Finance & Grants. Ashley also holds an MBA from Victoria University of Wellington.
Email: ashley@pubcharity.nz Phone: 04 382 4420Simon Sorapure - Operations Manager – Licensing & Compliance
Email: simon@pubcharity.nz Phone: 04 385 6100Gary Lawry - Key Account Manager – National Group
Gary began his career in the hospitality industry in the United Kingdom before returning to New Zealand with his family. After a period working in Wellington, he transitioned into the gaming machine sector, where he has focused his career for more than 20 years. During this time, he has developed extensive knowledge, experience, and industry relationships that enable him to support Venue Operators in maximising returns and identifying new business opportunities.
Email: gary@pubcharity.nz Phone: 021 533 274Carl Brasell: North Island Operations Manager
Carl has dedicated his entire career to the hospitality industry, with humble beginnings working at the iconic "The Fitz" student pub in Palmerston North to help fund his studies at Massey University.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Studies and went on to gain extensive hands-on experience as a part-owner and operator of multiple bar, gaming, and bottle store venues. This diverse background has given him a comprehensive, 360-degree understanding of the sector—from front-line operations to strategic ownership.
As a seasoned operations and industry professional, Carl currently serves as North Island Operations Manager at Pub Charity, where he oversees operational performance, regulatory compliance, and venue support across a network of venues throughout the North Island.
Outside of work, Carl enjoys pottering around his lifestyle block, and spending time at the beach with his family.
Latham Bell: South Island Operations Manager
Latham Bell brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality and gaming sectors to his role as South Island Operations Manager at Pub Charity Limited. Beginning his career as a chef, Latham developed a strong foundation in the hospitality industry before moving into the gaming sector, where he spent nine years working as a gaming technician.
Since joining Pub Charity Limited in 2011, Latham has played an important role in supporting venue operators and ensuring the smooth operation of gaming services across the South Island. His extensive industry knowledge and practical experience enable him to build strong relationships with venues while helping deliver the high level of service that underpins Pub Charity’s community funding model.
Outside of work, Latham is a passionate motorsport enthusiast and enjoys spending time mountain biking whenever he can.
Kevin Thomson: National Standards & Performance Manager
Kevin is a highly respected figure in New Zealand’s gaming industry, bringing nearly four decades of experience and deep sector knowledge. He began his career with Hamilton‑based Fortune Corporation in 1989, later joining Aristocrat in 1995, before moving to Pub Charity Limited in 2008. He describes his time in the industry as a great journey — one where no two days are ever the same.
Throughout his career, Kevin has built strong relationships across both domestic and international networks. He takes genuine pride in helping customers succeed and grow their businesses, and his long-standing expertise makes him a trusted partner to venues across the country.
Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with power tools, boating, cricket, and travel.
Cliff McLennan: Kaiārahi - Community Engagement
Cliff has over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, He brings a wealth of knowledge and insight shaped by a dynamic career that began in retail and evolved through senior leadership roles across some of the sector’s most respected organisations. His professional journey has spanned large hospitality groups, major breweries, and independent operators, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on the industry's diverse challenges and opportunities.
In his role as Kaiārahi – Community Engagement, Cliff is committed to celebrating and elevating the incredible mahi of our community partners. He plays a key role in ensuring their impact is recognised and supported.
Ko Taranaki te maunga, ko au te tangata.
Derron Bishop: Regional Manager - Auckland/North
With over 25 years of experience in the gaming industry, Derron brings deep technical expertise and a passion for performance to every venue he supports. His career spans roles from tech support with a UK-based gaming manufacturer to key technical and systems positions at Aristocrat Technologies, where he worked across both Class 4 and casino markets.
For the past 15 years, he has been the trusted Regional Account Manager for Auckland and surrounding areas. His extensive market knowledge and hands-on venue experience make him a valuable partner in helping gaming operations reach their full potential.
Derron is known for his collaborative approach and commitment to delivering tailored solutions that drive results. Whether you're looking to optimise your current setup or explore new opportunities, Derron is ready to help. Ready to take your venue’s gaming experience to the next level? Reach out to him to kick off the conversation.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing touch rugby for his club and beloved North Harbour.
Alan Barlow - Account Manager Northern Region
Alan brings over 25 years of experience in the wagering industry, having held a role with the New Zealand TAB for 25 years before transitioning into hospitality as an owner/operator for 13 years. In 2025, Alan joined Pub Charity as the Account Manager for Northland, where he leverages his extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to support community engagement and service delivery across the region.
Alan is deeply committed to fostering strong relationships and ensuring high-quality service for Pub Charity’s partners in the North. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and is an avid golfer.
Cameron James - Account Manager Waikato & Bay of Plenty
Cameron joined Pub Charity in 2025, bringing extensive experience from the alcohol industry working closely with hospitality venues across the Waikato & Bay of Plenty area for the last 20 years.
Cameron is passionate about coaching, capability development, and delivering results through collaboration. His hands-on experience across retail and FMCG environments gives him a unique perspective on delivering support to our venue operators.
Neil Murphy: Regional Manager - Hawkes Bay, Taupo and Gisborne
Neil Murphy brings over 35 years of experience in the gaming and hospitality sectors, complemented by a decade in banking and finance. His deep industry knowledge and strong community focus make him a valued member of the Pub Charity team.
A passionate advocate for sport and service, Neil has captained the Hawke’s Bay Rugby team and played more than 300 senior club games. His dedication extends beyond the field—he’s a life member of the Hastings RSA, Hastings Rugby & Sports Club, and the HB Saracens Rugby Club, reflecting decades of voluntary service and leadership within his community.
Neil’s commitment to people, teamwork, and grassroots support mirrors Pub Charity’s mission to give back to his community.
Chris Casserly: Senior Account Manager – South Island
Chris joined Pub Charity Limited in 2019, bringing with him over 25 years of experience in the hospitality sector, including roles as a Venue General Manager, owner/operator, and hospitality consultant. His specialist expertise includes liquor licensing, alcohol management plans, conflict resolution, and venue management training.
With a strong track record supporting venues and fostering positive working relationships, Chris is known for his practical industry knowledge and hands-on approach.
Outside of work, he’s an avid boatie and fisherman and a proud grandad.
Noel Chambers: Account and Business Manager
Noel has been with Pub Charity since early 2020. He brings with him 10 year's experience as a Business Sales Manager in the telecommunications industry and 12 years running his own successful business. Noel has numerous contacts in the Hospitality industry and is an Associate Fellow of the NZ Institute of Management.
Email: noel@pubcharity.nz Phone: 0274 356 521David Miskimmin: Account Manager - Lower South Island
David brings over 17 years of hospitality experience to the team, including successfully owning and operating his own hospitality business. His strong work ethic was shaped during his first 25 years of working in the rural sector, where he developed a practical, hands on approach and an appreciation for community.
Since relocating to Central Otago, David has become an active member of the Coastguard New Zealand reflecting his commitment to service and serving the local community.
Outside of work, David enjoys making the most of the Central Otago lifestyle, he has taken up golf, loves getting out on his motorbike and is also a passionate supporter of grassroot rugby – backing the locals clubs and the community connections the game creates.
His diverse background, leadership experience, and enthusiasm for life make him a valued part of the team
Josalene Rowbotham: Accountant
With a career spanning dedicated community service and international finance, Jos has been a key part of the Pub Charity team since 2019. Jos began her journey in the UK, managing specialised social care funding audits, before transitioning from Grants Auditor & Officer to Accountant at Pub Charity. Jos balances her financial career with a passion for grassroots sports, actively contributing to her local football club as a Coach and Team Manager.
Email: josalene@pubcharity.nz Phone: 04 385 6100Deirdre Bloomberg - Accounts Officer
Deirdre brings a warm, detail‑driven approach to her work, shaped by both international experience and a strong commitment to family and community. A career opportunity led her family to relocate to New Zealand in 2022, where she continued to build on her background in accounts payable and four years of experience in the medical sector during her time in South Africa.
Fuelled by a passion for finance, Deirdre joined Pub Charity Limited in September 2022 and has become a trusted member of the team.
Outside of the office, she enjoys a well-balanced family life, loves camping, and has a deep appreciation for music. As a family, they play together in their church orchestra — a source of joy and connection.
Chris Cheer - Grants Team Leader
Email: chris@pubcharity.nz Phone: 04 385 6100Theony Giannios: Grants Auditor
Theony has been part of the Pub Charity team since 2000. She began her career with the organisation in data entry and operations and now serves as one of our Grant Auditors. Outside of work, Theony is deeply family-oriented and enjoys spending time with her three grandchildren, sharing with them the traditions and stories of their Greek heritage.
Email: theony@pubcharity.nz Phone: 04 385 6100Raphael Hawke - Grants Auditor
Raphael has been with Pub Charity since 2019 as a Grants Auditor. She brings a strong, detail focused approach to the role, enjoying applicant interaction and strengthening their understanding of the audit process.
Outside of work, she enjoys time with friends and family.
Ashvini Sahayam: Practice & Compliance Manager
Ashvini joined Pub Charity in January 2026 and brings over 10 years of experience in governance, compliance, risk management, and audit. She supports Pub Charity’s compliance framework, regulatory obligations, and continuous improvement initiatives to better processes, and provides support to the internal teams to ensure strong governance and operational integrity across the business.
Email: ashvini@pubcharity.nz Phone: 04 385 6100Katherine Lennox: Operations and Compliance officer
Katherine joined Pub Charity’s Operations and Compliance team in 2021 with her a professional background spanning customer relations and business management. She brings strong problem-solving skills and a highly organised approach to her work, ensuring processes run smoothly and efficiently. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family & friends, their dog Bella and playing golf.
Email: katherine@pubcharity.nz Phone: 04 385 6100Sam Keller - Compliance & Licencing Officer
Sam Keller has been a valued member of Pub Charity since November 2020. Joining the organisation new to the gaming industry, Sam has embraced the opportunity to build his knowledge and expertise through his role in the operations team, enjoying the variety and challenge that comes with no two days being the same.
Sam is highly motivated by the positive impact his work has alongside the wider team, supporting venue operators and the hospitality sector while helping to deliver meaningful benefits to communities through grant funding. He takes pride in contributing to a well‑regulated, in‑person entertainment environment that benefits patrons, venues, and the broader community alike.
Outside of work, Sam is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys both following and playing basketball.
Leonie Miskimmin: Compliance Manager - Lower South Island
Leonie brings eight years of experience in hospitality management to her role of compliance manager. Having spent much of her career working closely with teams and day-to-day operations, she understands the importance of keeping things running smoothly while maintaining the right standards.
Before moving into hospitality, Leonie worked in corporate administration, where she developed strong organisational skills and a keen eye for detail. That background still supports the structured and practical way she approaches compliance today.
A big part of Leonie’s role is team training. She enjoys working with staff to make sure everyone understands the processes, standards, and responsibilities that keep the business operating safely and efficiently. Her hands-on experience in hospitality helps her deliver training in a clear, practical way that teams can easily apply in their day-to-day work.
David Cheer - IT and Communications Administrator
David Cheer joined the organisation as a casual team member in April 2014, bringing a steady work ethic and a genuine interest in technology. His commitment and reliability saw him transition into a permanent role in March 2018.
Today, David works as an IT and Communications Administrator, where he supports the smooth running of technical systems and helps keep people connected. Known for his practical approach and willingness to help, David plays a key role in ensuring the organisation’s digital tools and communication channels run efficientl
Kassandra Dobbs: Administration Manager
Kassandra joined our team in late 2021, bringing with her a strong background in the not-for-profit sector where she worked closely with donors supporting major charities across New Zealand. She now serves as our dedicated Office Administration Manager, providing essential leadership and organisational support to the team.
Outside of work, Kassandra is a Team Leader for her local Leisure Marching team, reflecting her commitment to community involvement and teamwork.