With a background of delivering business solutions in the international arena, Keith founded EMDA in 1998 to provide New Zealand manufacturers with business software that would enable them to become more competitive internationally.

Over the past two decades, the business expanded through key acquisitions in New Zealand and Australia. Keith led EMDA’s growth from servicing a few businesses to now having around 200 internal clients using Infor’s ERP software, with professional services delivered by EMDA.

Having moved on from his CEO/MD role in 2017 to a Governance role and now Chair of the Board of Directors, Keith continues to facilitate EMDA’s further growth by combining his deep knowledge of manufacturing and distribution with his over 30 years’ experience in the technology industry.

EMDA isn’t Keith’s sole Governance activity. In 2017, he also acquired a majority share in a Christchurch-based manufacturing business producing high-performance multisport Carbon/Kevlar kayaks. Plus, Keith is Chairman of the Devondale Estate Incorporated Society, charged with leading the upkeep and enhancement of the residential estate on which he lives.

As well as chairing his companies, Keith is the President of Infor’s APAC Channel Partner Council and a member of Infor’s Global Channel Council. In this capacity, Keith works closely with the Councils and the Infor Executive Team to develop policies and strategies that contribute to the growth of Infor’s Channel business worldwide.

Daniel was appointed as a Director of EMDA in September 2018, bringing across his 10-plus years’ experience as an engineering consultant.

After completing Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering with Honours (Mechanic Engineering) and Commerce, Daniel went on to gain a Masters with Distinction in Fire Engineering – his current area of specialisation.

Since 2011, he has been employed as a Senior Fire Engineer by a successful national engineering consultancy operating in the construction industry. His role includes managing the delivery of Fire Engineering projects throughout the Southern Region, and providing support to the Auckland branch.

As part of the EMDA directorial team, and the son of founder and current chairman Keith Jessop, Daniel has a particular interest in the operations and technical delivery parts of the business, finding many parallels with his experience as an engineering consultant. This includes managing resources to deliver high-value services to a broad range of customers with varying and unique requirements. 

Keen on the outdoors, in the weekends Daniel can usually be found hiking, trail running, mountain biking and skiing, as well as being involved in the occasional multi-sport, orienteering or adventure racing event. He brings the competitive drive to the Board of EMDA, and is proud to be part of a company that his father founded more than 20 years ago.