Sir Ian Taylor
Roles: Speaker
Themes: Business, Innovation
Sir Ian Taylor is one of New Zealand’s most respected technology innovators and entrepreneurs.
Raised in a small East Coast community, Ian grew up at a time when electricity and telephones were still arriving in rural New Zealand. Over the course of his life he has witnessed — and helped shape — the country’s transformation from an agricultural economy to a leader in digital innovation.
His career has taken many turns: working in freezing works, performing in a rock band, serving in the army, studying law and eventually moving into television production during the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.
In 1990, Ian founded Taylormade Productions on a handshake agreement and a $15,000 hard drive. That company evolved into Animation Research Ltd (ARL), now a global leader in real-time sports graphics and data visualisation, used across international sporting events including golf, sailing and motorsport.
Beyond sport, ARL has developed technologies ranging from air traffic control simulators to Formula One race simulators and digital risk assessment platforms. In 2019, Ian also launched Land of Voyagers, a project documenting the great Polynesian voyages to Aotearoa.
Sir Ian has been inducted into the New Zealand Hi-Tech Hall of Fame and was named North & South New Zealander of the Year. Despite his many achievements, he consistently credits the success of his work to the talented teams he has built and worked alongside.
On stage, Sir Ian reflects on innovation, leadership and the importance of curiosity, creativity and collaboration in building ideas that can change industries.
