We are deeply saddened to learn that industry leader, visionary and our former colleague, Neil Cox, passed away peacefully in his sleep last week in Auckland.
As a team, we are still in shock and trying to process the impact of this loss on New Zealand and the Asia Pacific Venue Management Industry. Priava’s Chairman, James Pegum, put it perfectly when he said, “Those who knew and worked with Neil could not help but be lifted by his jovial spirits every time you saw him. He was a glass half full kind of guy who always looked at challenges and problems as opportunities – a rare quality and a defining one in a true leader”.
Neil spent 15 years at EMI as Marketing Director in Sydney and moved to Christchurch in 2009 to take charge of The Isaac Theatre Royal. James commented, “I first met Neil when we were both working on The Rugby World Cup in 2003 and was immediately taken by his networking abilities and generosity.” He continued, “He knew everybody, and you could clearly see that he had the respect of those around him.”
“When I reconnected with Neil at the EVANZ conference in Christchurch in 2010, Priava was trying to figure out how it could offer its software to New Zealand venues more broadly. We knew we needed to solve one problem: find someone the market respected to increase our presence. The rest is history, and Priava now can firmly lay its success in the New Zealand market at Neil’s feet.”
All the team at Priava send their heartfelt condolences to Neil’s family.
Rest in Peace, Neil.