Meet the Matrix Leadership Team

Jim is the Managing Director and owner of Matrix for over 40 years. Born and educated USA - Geological Engineering Colorado School of Mines, Professional Engineer registration Colorado, and later MBA from Henley College UK. His initial professional life pioneered early 3D modelling of geology and mine planning.

He has travelled extensively and worked over the globe on multiple engineering projects - eventually settling in New Zealand. Joined Matrix as their first employee, built their mining consulting business, then moved into overall Matrix leadership, buying into then acquiring 100% of Matrix. A serial entrepreneur, Jim is energised by creating a motivated team of top people, applying innovative technology to provide outstanding results for Customers.

Outside of his Matrix life Jim is a keen outdoorsman, drawn to New Zealand as nature’s ultimate playground. He is also a keen rock and mineral collector; and loves the challenge of fly fishing.

Before entering the business world, Alana's life was all about academia; gaining six post-nominal letters to her name, completing multiple scientific fellowships (Nutrigenomics, Palaeoclimatological dating and Extremophilic Microbiology) with leading institutions, and lecturing around the globe. More than a decade ago, she traded the lab for the boardroom. She now relishes the opportunity to apply that same rigorous scientific discipline to drive business excellence at Matrix.

Alana's tenure at Matrix started out as the Business Development Manager for Engineering Data Management. But her knack for leadership meant she naturally took on more cross-team responsibilities over time; building a solid foundation for the strengths Matrix has to offer its clients. Now as General Manager, Alana takes pride in bringing a personal touch to client engagement and collaborating closely with the Matrix team to maintain the highest levels of satisfaction.

When she isn't at her desk, Alana is usually outdoors enjoying everything from hiking to sailing or kayaking - usually with a good book tucked away safely from the water.

Marijn is the Operational Manager at Matrix Applied Computing. He combines his background in aerospace engineering with experience across the semi-lithographic, automotive, and aerospace industries. With a technical background, Marijn stays involved in the details when necessary and focuses on keeping projects running smoothly and on track. He is responsible for the business's day-to-day operational performance.

He not only assists with the technical delivery of CAE-focused solutions; he also leads the delivery of engineering projects and works with cross-functional teams on software. Additionally with his role in operations, he contributes technically and from a leadership perspective across multiple teams (EDM, IT - customised integrations development, and Bentley Systems support).

Originally from the Netherlands, he moved to New Zealand, and now calls Queenstown home. Outside of work, Marijn is most at home in the outdoors, whether trail running, ski touring, or swimming in alpine lakes. He also has a (serious) side hobby in outdoor video work

Denise is Matrix's Accountant. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant, bringing high quality accounting practise to Matrix management. Her role includes all aspects of the finance function including invoicing customers, accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and monthly reporting.

Outside of work Denise enjoys walks with her dog, snow skiing, and spending time with family and friends at the beach.

Georgie brings depth and versatility to her work, stemming from eclectic professional experience across a range of roles and environments. This varied experience has shaped her flexible approach and reinforced the importance of understanding each situation from multiple perspectives. Academically she holds degrees in both Law and Commerce; which has given her a strong foundation for thoughtful decision-making, clear communication, and strategic thinking.

At the core of everything she does is a genuine commitment to her customers - taking the time to listen, build trust, and ensure people feel supported throughout the process. Customer relationship management is key to her (and Matrix's) success.

Outside of work, she enjoys creative hands-on pursuits such as painting, sewing clothes for her young family, building furniture, and getting outdoors for a bit of tussock jumping. These interests mirror Georgie's appreciation for both creativity and practicality, values that carry through into her professional life.

Ana earned her Master's in Food Engineering in Croatia before coming to New Zealand to broaden her global experience. Her path to supporting Bentley customers for Matrix, came through an unusual route first managing business and account management for a co-owned company, Zubi.

Prior to working with Matrix she has a diverse professional background working within Chemistry, Food Technology and Business roles both in New Zealand and Croatia. In her free time Ana enjoys travelling, being outdoors, exploring nature, hiking and spending time with animals.

Don has been with Matrix since its inception. He initially started his career working at DSIR, he then moved abroad to work for a firm developing FEA software - which he then brought back to New Zealand and established.

He has a wealth of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience over many decades, offering FEA services to a host of firms in NZ and globally. He now focuses his efforts on advising and working with the CAE team at Matrix to provide the optimal solution for customer analysis, presales, contractual aspects and reporting.

Kava's background is international. Starting his career in his home country of the United States, he immigrated to Australia and then Germany before settling in New Zealand in 2020.

His experience includes big companies such as Boeing, Honda and ThyssenKrupp, as well as those more on the wee side like Strand7, EVs Enhanced and Vossloh Locomotives. He's worked on airliners, submarines, locomotives, EVs, motorcycles, FEA software and even the International Space Station. His specialty is engineering simulation, with a focus on advanced CFD and FEA.

James specialised in Computational Acoustics completing his doctorate on the subject, before working on further research in this field for Rolls-Royce UTC (in the UK) on gas turbine noise, to find novel ways to reduce noise from aircraft inlets.

Upon returning to New Zealand he worked on a variety of projects for Callaghan Innovation. Since coming to Matrix he has moved up to become a Senior CAE Analyst, specializing in advanced Finite Element Analysis over a wide range of application areas; ranging from pressure vessels and piping, to high performance composite yachts such as Gitana17. In his spare time he enjoys hanging out with his family and is a keen golfer.

Ruben is the Business Development Lead for PLM (Aras) at Matrix. A graduate of the Colorado School of Mines, he holds a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and brings a rigorous technical background to the team.

Before joining Matrix in 2026, Ruben spent six years in the United States semiconductor industry, managing technical sales within the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. He now focuses on helping clients bridge the gap between engineering and efficiency through specialized lifecycle management solutions.

Having moved to New Zealand in 2025 to be closer to family, Ruben has fully immersed himself in the outdoors. When he is not working with customers, he is typically found camping or swimming, enjoying the best of the New Zealand landscape.

Esmeralda brings over 15 years of experience building relationships focused on delivering positive outcomes. At Matrix Applied Computing, she plays a key role in business development; leading client engagement, generating opportunities, and coordinating initiatives that drive value for both customers and the wider team. Known for her proactive approach and attention to detail, Esmeralda excels at connecting clients with the right solutions and ensuring seamless communication throughout the engagement process. She takes pride in supporting events, outreach, and client-focused initiatives that strengthen partnerships and enhance the overall customer experience.

Originally from Manila, Esmeralda migrated to New Zealand in 2022 and now enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle in Napier, Hawke's Bay. Outside of work, Esmeralda enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter and exploring new places. As a proud Filipino, she loves singing, sharing and preparing food, and having great conversations with friends and family.