In memory of Steve Saunders

Theta Systems CEO Steve Saunders died on January 13 at age 65, after suffering a heart attack. He is survived by Ann, his wife of more than 45 years, and their two children and grandchildren.

Steve was an inspirational leader with a common touch. He began his working life at the coal-face – literally – and turned his hand to many things before discovering computers in the 1970s. This marked the beginning of a distinguished career in IT that spanned more than three decades and culminated with dual roles of CEO and chairman of IT consultancy company Theta Systems.

Steve knew all about hard work. His dad was a coal miner in the northeast of England, and when Steve left school at 15, his first job was in the mines. When Steve’s family moved south, his career path took a turn skywards – working first for British Airways and then the Aviation Tool Company. As engineers, both Steve and his dad worked on the nose of the Concord – quite a departure from working in the mines.

A practical problem-solver with a keen and inquiring mind, Steve could turn his hand to anything. Back in the 1970s, in the early days of information technology, computers captured his interest. Armed with this new knowledge, he made the move to New Zealand in 1977 with his family and began a career in IT spanning more than thirty years. Highlights include 10 years as Chief Information Officer of meat company Affco, and 5 years as Chief Technology Officer at the University of Auckland.

A long way from England, Steve quickly and enthusiastically embraced the Kiwi way of life. From camping, boating and golf to diving, skiing and squash, he was always busy and active, and fiercely competitive whether at work or play.

People were another of Steve’s specialities. He was sociable, popular and genuinely interested in the lives of those around him. He loved to hear other people’s stories, and always had a tip or anecdote to offer from his own rich experience. He was great fun to work with, and always ready with a joke and a smile.

Steve was also a natural perfectionist and had high expectations of himself and others around him.

These qualities made Steve an inspiring and respected leader. At his suggestion, a team of contractors employed at Affco banded together to form Theta in 1995. He continued to mentor the owners of the fledgling company, becoming an independent director of Theta in November 2005, and in 2006 took the helm as CEO for a two year term. Two years turned into four, with the added responsibility of board chairman from 2008. As always, Steve gave it his all, transforming Theta’s structure and processes to ensure the company is well placed for sustainable future growth.

Steve was set to retire at the end of March, having achieved all he had set out to at Theta. He was ready to devote more time to friends and family, and to golf and boating.