Who are we and what do we do?
As operating partners, we bring decades of operational expertise to our clients.
We work with management teams to understand what’s already in place and identify what’s needed to accelerate the growth journey. We help fill the gaps with the right actions, introductions, initiatives, people and strategies.
Practical operational improvements to increase your growth potential.
We work in concert with management teams, Boards, investors and other stakeholders to help build a strong future in the real-world – not just on paper.
Meet the team
Cress was founded in early 2019 by Managing Partner, Mike Riley, as he saw a gap in support for mid-sized Kiwi businesses who want to become global. We wholeheartedly and expertly support our clients from strategy through to execution and are committed to the long game. Tapping into a deep network, Mike and his team bring decades of experience to help make practical operational improvements within portfolio companies to actively increase their growth potential.
Mike Riley
Managing Partner
Mike is a seasoned CEO whose natural curiosity, thought leadership, and infectious optimism combine into a formidable talent for delivering actionable strategies, unexpected partnerships and dynamic collaborations.
Board Representation:
Mike currently holds Board positions for RedShield Security, Framecad Holdings, Pingar, and New Zealand Frost Fans. He is the Executive Chairman for Teknique Limited, the Deputy Chair for ExportNZ, and has frequently participated in the judging for the New Zealand High Tech Awards, Export Awards and Amcham awards.
Steve Hodgson
Operating Partner
Steve’s mission is to create the strategies, organisational capability and partnerships that drive sustained growth and value creation. A finance guy by training and an analyst at heart, he discovered mid-career that his real passions were delighting customers, building products, and creating winning teams and alliances.