Our People

Mark Bridgman joined Viranda in 2005. As Managing Director he plays a pivotal role in the company’s vision and success.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the property industry, Mark prioritises working closely with clients to identify unique acquisition opportunities.

Prior to Viranda, his knowledge in property management, institutional portfolio management and acquisitions took him offshore for five successful years, including a senior role with multi-disciplined surveying practice, Drivers Jonas in the United Kingdom.

With his first child on the way, Mark and wife, Jodelle, returned to New Zealand. Further career progression called, and he was drawn to Viranda’s positive culture and growth mindset. He respects the company’s client-focused vision and believes this is achieved through robust market research and analysis along with strong empathy for clients’ goals.

Under Mark’s leadership, Viranda and the team are recognised as market leaders for Asset Management. He encourages the team to foster trust and develop bespoke solutions for every client.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with Jodelle and their three energetic children. He is an avid hunter and also has a passion for water sports.

Andrew co-founded Viranda in 1986. Recognising a market weakness for commercial property investment services for private individuals, Viranda’s early client base consisted of airline, medical and business professionals. From day one he has stayed true to his business philosophy of presenting what he calls the ‘jewel in the crown’ for every client. The right jewel is a property that minimises risk and maximises return according to client’s stated requirements and this on its own has been the guiding principle for Andrew’s 32 years at the same company address. Putting the client’s goal at the heart of the process has led to the retention of more than 75% of his clients, many of whom have become lifetime friends.

An unwavering commitment to achieving success for clients can also be demonstrated by Viranda’s completion of a commercial property purchase every 18 days, resulting in more than 650 properties and assisting in the growth of 300 trusts and companies. These achievements have led to a far-reaching level of confidence with Andrew being a director and trustee of more than 200 entities both in New Zealand and internationally.

As Viranda evolved, Andrew explored new technology as a way to share potential properties with clients in a digital manner. A separate business unit was established – ‘P3D’ is a successful company and a particularly insightful business tool for offshore investors who can tour buildings in a virtual sense – street view to foyer, right through to the inside. Included amongst its premier clients are Auckland Museum, Auckland LIVE, Sky City, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Britomart, The Hilton and so on.

Andrew is a Barrister and Solicitor and an Arbitrator and Mediator (AMINZ). Believing that everyone should have access to legal services, he carries out approximately 12 pro bono (without charge) cases each year. Traveling frequently Andrew has worked out of Viranda House in Takapuna since 1986 and from time to time from home offices in Auckland, Wanaka, and London. An avid musician since starting at the age of six he continues to play in a band, plays guitar frequently, and enjoys a full spectrum of music from Mozart to the Stones.

Andrew is confident about the dedicated culture at Viranda. Placing the client’s best interest at the centre of every project and having a talented, multi-disciplined team has led to strong results for Viranda and, most importantly, for its clients.

As Viranda’s Senior Asset Manager, Caroline manages approximately 60 multi-tenanted properties. She enjoys the diversity of managing a mix of sectors - retail, industrial and office.  

Caroline is passionate about building relationships within the industry. She is a positive mediator between tenants and owners and believes strong communication is vital. Helping investors reach their property goals, she is a team player - working closely with Viranda’s directors and colleagues to find suitable properties and conclude a sale.  

Before Viranda, Caroline worked agency-side at Bayleys in a commercial sales & marketing role. She continues to call on real estate peers, especially when researching potential properties for clients. 

With a keen interest in building Viranda’s brand profile, she provides valuable input and ideas to the marketing team – drawing on a double major in marketing & management. 

When not at work, this goal-driven manager loves boxing, tennis and a fun social event! 

Ensuring clients feel heard and trusted is Natalie’s priority. She represents everything a professional Asset Manager stands for, along with a warm and humble approach.

With a decade of commercial property experience, Natalie is adding value to a mixed portfolio of office, retail and industrial properties.

Before Viranda, she spent four years working for an investment syndication company where the focus was on lease negotiation and building relationships with tenants. In her current role, she values more direct contact with landlords and long-term, she is keen to explore property acquisitions to help clients build wealth in this exciting industry.

Workplace culture is important to Natalie, and she finds the respect and support very inspiring at Viranda - her feet are under the desk for the long haul. As a true team player, she recognises that commercial property is very people-focused, and collaborating with her colleagues leads to good results for everyone.

When not at work, Natalie loves the ocean - her family are avid fisher folk. Two children also keep her busy, supporting them on the sidelines and socialising with family and friends.

Courtney has a passion for property. Colleagues and clients alike comment on her steely organisation skills – an excellent attribute for asset management. Her approach is to keep it ‘smooth sailing, always’. She puts people first and enjoys troubleshooting. Courtney believes property ownership deserves to be stress-free for landlords, and she works hard to achieve this.

Before joining Viranda, she was a residential property manager for three years and also worked for a commercial architect on the planning and consenting of childcare centres. Courtney enjoyed both chapters but always had her sights set on commercial property. Respecting the career opportunities and strategic nature of the industry, she was delighted to join the team and is making her mark across a diverse property portfolio.

A mediator between tenants and owners, she brings open communication to her role and a willingness to help with any issues. Courtney also looks forward to building Viranda’s profile in the marketplace and will assist the marketing team wherever possible.

When not at work, this attention-to-detail Asset Manager loves hitting the beach, catching up with friends and camping at Kai Iwi Lakes in the summer.

Meagan brings a dedicated work ethic and strong facilities experience to her role as an Asset Manager.

Bringing her skills across from a previous position in our facilities team, we know she will continue to make a difference to her valued clients. Opportunity knocked and Meagan jumped at the chance to extend her knowledge of commercial property across a mixed portfolio of retail, hospitality and industrial properties.

Prior to Viranda, Meagan worked for a popular housing group company which honed her understanding of real estate. Seven years at Auckland City Council also provided Meagan with a range of skills that she continues to tap into at Viranda.

Many clients will have already worked with Meagan and will continue to enjoy her attention to detail and warm personality.

When not at work, she is busy planning a camping trip to the Coromandel Peninsula!

Katrine joined the team in a temporary role in 2016. After the completion of a significant project, Viranda recognised her strengths at project management and increased her involvement across the business. Today, Katrine is the brand custodian and also champions the strategic direction, taking a leading role in change and operations management.  

Together with a boutique team, she is responsible for the marketing and communication deliverables to generate new business and grow the brand profile of Viranda. She enjoys seeing the positive outputs from marketing campaigns, along with collaborating with Viranda’s Board, the wider team and external creatives. 

Before joining Viranda, Katrine was a Project & Client Relationship Manager for Gentrack (a software organisation) where she honed her business analysis and change-management skills while working on the Meridian brand. She then managed a family business in the arborist space, and with a keen interest in health & fitness – created and event-managed the Omaha Half Marathon in a voluntary capacity. 

Katrine is from the United Kingdom where she studied project management and completed an Industrial Design degree in Edinburgh, Scotland. A short stop in NZ during a backpacking trip around the world, led her to settle permanently in 2000. 

Outside of work, she enjoys jogging the coastal trails in the Rodney District and spending time with her husband and teenage children. Intrepid travel is also a long-held passion! 

Glenn has been with Viranda since 2006. He plays a pivotal role in the financial and accounting strategies for both Viranda and its subsidiaries, including Property3D. In-depth reporting and analysis, and striving for business efficiencies, are the key strengths he brings to the business.

Taking a big-picture view of the financial health across the business is what drives Glenn, and the team appreciates his solution-driven, calm disposition. Having been with the company for many years, Glenn has a comprehensive understanding of the industry and is well-respected for his attention to detail and sound advice.

Family time is at the heart of life outside of work, as is dog agility competitions with the (sometimes obedient) miniature schnauzer.

With a warm and friendly disposition, Ben Gruzelier is excited about making a difference to the financial team at Viranda. His vision is to ensure strong communication and the smooth handling of tasks between the accounts team, Asset Managers and clients.

Ben graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Information Systems.

He joins the company after a successful three-year stint with Body Corporate specialists, Centurion. Within this busy Accounts Administrator role, he handled the financial and GST administration for a range of residential and commercial clients, preparing disclosure statements for the buying and selling of units and enjoying plenty of client interfacing.

The team at Viranda appreciates his expertise in Body Corporate matters and look forward to the impact he can make in his role as Accounts Administrator.

Outside of work, Ben is ripping at his local park - doing flatground tricks or a little quarter pipe fun. On the playlist are some good House music tunes, and he’s a dab hand at video games too.

A dynamic background in the facilities and hospitality industries puts Josh in good stead for Viranda’s ‘people-first’ culture. His Facilities Coordinator role will be an opportunity to draw on strong body corporate knowledge gleaned from past roles, along with excellent interpersonal skills.

Josh appreciates the inner workings of a building and the importance of it being safe, compliant and in the best shape to grow in value. Taking care of the equipment and facilities for Auckland University’s Medical & Health Sciences faculty was an interesting role, along with body corporate & facilities coordination for residential apartments and high-rise office buildings. Bringing this experience to Viranda, he is enjoying supporting the Asset Managers and being a trusted resource for tenants and landlords.

Something of a class clown, Josh puts the fun in facilities! Clients enjoy his effervescent personality, backed by a strong work ethic and integrity.

When the work hat is removed, a couple of SPCA rescue dogs entertain him, along with playing as much sport as time will allow – with a return to football his current buzz.

Josh offers a prudent approach to protecting and maximising the value of commercial buildings – along with a laugh along the way.

Alex Kim joined the team in 2015. His introduction to Viranda came from a lecturer at South Seas Film & Television School where he was furthering his photography skills. The lecturer mentioned the opening to the class of diploma students and Alex was ready for a new challenge. Now more than five years later, he is grateful for the diverse role he plays at Viranda.

Alex has a background in freelance photography, with a portfolio spanning weddings, real estate assignments and various events. His career first began in the Korean Army where he was a photographer for two years, documenting the lives of soldiers and army-related events.

Website and social media management is a big part of his role. Alex enjoys growing the brand profile of Viranda and its projects through smart graphic design and inspiring photography. The team respect his creativity and enthusiasm to work across several projects at any one time.

Outside of work, he likes to keep fit at the gym, shoot fashion, and play football.