Key Contacts

Meet the team

CEO
Alex Vallings | Global

“Ginge” has been a key innovative figure in the history of New Zealand's skiff sailing development and is well known by those at the top of international sailing. Starting out as a fitter and turner he quickly combined his sailing experience, strong knowledge of material properties and a drive to innovate to develop C-Tech’s reputation as a company that manufactures superior, high-quality composite products. Alex can be found most weekends ripping down Auckland’s Waitemata harbour on the back of a skiff.

CIO
Lyn Holland | Global

Lyn has been with C-Tech since 2001 when she merged her own software company with C-Tech. She is a keen sailor and has a background in software development, librarianship and administration systems. C-Tech is heavy on data and details, Lyn keeps C-Tech’s data management up-to-date with the rapidly evolving IT landscape.

COO
Chris Kitchen | Global

Chris has a background in mechanical engineering, marketing and business management. Prior to joining C-Tech in 2014, Chris spent 10 years building Weta Marine with his father from a garage project to a successful international business that has manufactured and sold over 1,000 composite sailing boats around the world. He is an accomplished sailor and is currently involved with kite foil racing in New Zealand.

CTO | Design
Riley Dean | Global

Riley joined C-Tech in 2021 after working in multiple America’s Cup campaigns with Oracle and American Magic. He brings a wealth of experience and passion to our design team. Riley has also been heavily involved in the development and design of the Bieker Moth. He is a fizz master and water sport fanatic. Most weekends you will find him either sailing his moth, surfing, kite/wing foiling or cruising the gulf.

Batten Sales
Apply Now! | Sales

Visit our careers page to apply for this exciting role!

Mast Sales | [email protected]
Tim Willetts | Sales

Tim has over 30 years’ experience specialising in composite masts. He has held key positions at both Southern Spars and Hall Spars and has owned a large range of boats. Along with his knowledge, he brings to C-Tech innovation and passion to deliver the best solution to customers. On weekends Tim will be out on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf either catching large fish or racing his Zephyr sailing dinghy.

Tube Sales | [email protected]
Sam Cray | Sales

Sam joined C-Tech in 2023, having grown up in Auckland and lived in the UK for 4 years, working for Cyclops Marine, developing digital load sensors. With his background in mechanical engineering, high level technical experience from working in the design offices of leading marine companies, he brings a variety of experience. Sam has a great eye for detail and is passionate about helping and educating customers. In his spare time he enjoys running around the city and out on the trails, and sailing on boats big and small.

Logistics | [email protected]
Jim Fitzsimons | Logistics

Jim has been with C-Tech for over 10 years and is an expert in shipping long, slender fragile packages from NZ to the world within tight timelines. Prior to working at C-Tech Jim was a technical sales engineer at Airtech supplying composite equipment to the european aerospace industry.

General Manager | [email protected]
Alberto Soler | Europe

Alberto grew up near the C-Tech Spain facility in Castellón, Spain. After studying engineering at Southampton University, he has held engineering, technical, and management roles at Future Fibres, Persico Marine, Longitud Cero, 3D Tech, and the INEOS Britannia. Along with his composites experience, he is also a keen sailor who has competed in national and European championships in a range of classes from Optimists to TP52s. Alberto's attention to detail, organisational skills, and high quality standards make him a valuable asset to C-Tech and will help expand their product offering in Europe.