Our People
At Montana Group, we know that great hospitality starts with great people.
With over 1,000 team members across Tamaki Makaurau, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty, our people bring diverse backgrounds, skills, and expertise to everything we do.
Our approach is built around creating a workplace where teams feel supported, trained, and proud of what they deliver. We focus on building a high-performing culture through structure, care, and continuous development, ensuring service consistency and a strong sense of pride among staff.
Joining Montana Group connects individuals to a broader network of hospitality professionals, structured training pathways, career opportunities, and real support for wellbeing and development.
We celebrate diversity and believe that a strong, inclusive workplace allows us to deliver the very best for our clients and communities.
Passionate people who create food and beverage experiences, with impact.
Board of Directors
Montana Group is owned by two shareholders, Dallas Fisher and Troy Reid, and governed by a Board of Directors.
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Director / ShareholderDallas is a Director and co-owner of Montana Group and holds multiple board member and shareholder roles in key Waikato businesses.
He has introduced industry-changing strategies and approaches in the Hospitality and Events industry and was crucial to the acquisition and successful operation of the inaugural Hamilton based HSBC NZ Sevens Tournament in 2018.
Dallas was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, in the June 2018 Queens Birthday Honours List for services to Business, Philanthropy and Sport.
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Director / ShareholderTroy brings a unique combination of organisational and creative flair to his roles in Montana Group since joining in 2006.
Starting his training in the Royal New Zealand Navy, Troy went on to work in a series of New Zealand and London’s finest restaurants. Working alongside Michelin starred chefs left Troy with a passion for combining originality, stimulation, taste and texture.
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DirectorSharon has a background in finance, strategy, and assurance, with over 20 years at PwC including 16 as a partner.
Since 2019, she has held interim CFO roles across sectors including public health and research. She now focuses on governance, holding board positions with Seeka, Wool Impact, LondonGreen and The Network for Learning.
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Board ChairChair Andrew Johnson is the Founder and Managing Director of LondonGreen which invests in technology-focused businesses including IT Partners and Lightwire.
A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Andrew has studied strategy and leadership at Harvard Business School and serves on several boards including The Lines Company and Livingstone Building.
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DirectorPeter brings 30+ years of governance experience, following a 35-year legal career, mostly as a partner in the Commercial Department at Simpson Grierson.
He specialised in FMCG, sport, marketing, and family businesses, and has held board roles since the early 1990s. He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors with governance credentials from both the Institute and Columbia Business School.
Executive Leadership
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Chief Executive OfficerLizzi was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Montana Group in February 2025. Lizzi was Montana Group's Chief Operating Officer and has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and catering industry, notably leading the Urban Gourmet Team since 2016.
As CEO, Lizzi will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping and optimising our operational strategies to ensure continued success and growth across the Group.
Lizzi also leads our operational teams across Urban Gourmet, Montana Food and Events and our Education and Retail divisions in Auckland and Waikato.
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Director of People & CulturePatrick joined Montana Group in October 2024 as the Director of People & Culture. With over 20 years of senior management experience and a deep passion for people, Patrick leads the People & Culture team, collaborating closely with everyone across the business to drive exceptional people management.
After graduating from Stockholm University in Sweden, Patrick has gained extensive experience across various industries both in New Zealand and internationally. His previous roles have seen him contribute to several prominent New Zealand organisations, including Fonterra, Air New Zealand, WINTEC, Comvita, and Trevelyan’s Pack & Cool.
Having lived and worked in New Zealand for over 25 years, Patrick proudly considers himself a passionate Kiwi.
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Director of OperationsMichael joined Montana Group in June 2025 as the Director of Operations. He has a strong track record for creating high-performing teams and driving real operational impact and brings serious leadership experience to the table, having spent the last ten years at The Trusts Arena in Auckland, including the past three as Chief Executive.
He has a wealth of experience from senior leadership roles in food service and event catering and is passionate about driving efficiency, empowering people, and delivering excellence at every level of the business.