Simon Keely

An experienced commercial partnerships and sponsorship leader with a background spanning national events, sport and community organisations. Combining revenue development and senior stakeholder management with hands-on activation, contract fulfilment and performance reporting, my focus is on translating strategy into practical delivery plans that build lasting partnerships and create mutual value for all parties involved.

Director at Alignment Works (Present)

Founded and operate a strategic partnership consultancy providing additional sponsorship management capacity and fractional leadership.

• Develop operating models, audit portfolios for value leakage and strengthen governance to turn sponsorship agreements into measurable commercial assets.

Partnership and Funding Manager at YMCA North (2025-11 – 2026-06)

• Directed programmes, partnerships and tools to expand service capacity and community outcomes; managed donor, corporate partner and foundation relationships.
• Oversaw a $1.5 million development budget, including compliance, forecasting and planning against annual targets; secured new revenue through grants, major gifts and sponsorships.

Head of Commercial and Fund Manager at Swimming NZ (2024-10 – 2025-11)

• Led commercial partnerships, funding, philanthropic and licensing revenue, including sponsor servicing, benefit fulfilment, regular work-in-progress communications and post-campaign reporting.
• Negotiated renewals and tailored partner benefits; coordinated activations across Marketing, Digital and Events, and managed the funding calendar, grant applications and accountability processes.

Head of Partnerships and Senior Leadership Team Member at Sir John Kirwan Foundation Mitey (2022-12 – 2024-09)

• Developed the funding strategy and generated and managed a diverse portfolio worth more than $5 million.
• Led foundation partner negotiations and risk planning; produced quarterly financial and achievement reports for the CEO and board.

Partnership Development and Experience Manager at Make-A-Wish Foundation (2021-12 – 2022-12)

• Acquired and managed partnerships, overseeing retention, activation planning, stakeholder reporting and budget forecasting.

Senior Manager Sponsorship and Partnership Lead at SMC Events Ltd (2006-05 – 2021-12)

• Generated over $5.9 million annually in cash and in-kind support, managing major accounts including Sanitarium and ASB.
• Led sponsor activation for the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon, ASB Polyfest and Fonterra’s 10th birthday celebrations, coordinating corporate, council and media stakeholders.
• Facilitated the rebranding and sale of Big Boys Toys.

Event Manager at Marine Industry Association (2004-06 – 2006)

Earlier Roles

Sponsorship Marketing Manager at The Ellerslie Flower Show (1998-02 – 2004-05)

Earlier Roles

National Event and Sponsorship Manager at Tip Top Ice Cream Company Ltd (1992-09 – 1998-01)

Earlier Roles

Board Member and Shareholder at Magico-Marketing Agency (2018-05 – 2021)

Governance

• Contributed to strategic governance and marketing strategy; advised on client negotiations and leverage plans.

Bachelor in Recreation and Tourism Management – Lincoln University

University Entrance – Kristin College