Nicola O'Rourke is a seasoned executive in New Zealand's food and beverage sector, with over 20 years of experience spanning innovation, marketing, sales, and general management roles. She has held leadership positions at companies such as Comvita (as Chief Digital Officer) and Lewis Road Creamery (as General Manager), where she was instrumental in launching innovation into global markets across Australasia, the USA, and China . Nicola is the co-founder and managing partner of Founders Advisory, a business that invests in and advises branded Food & Beverage businesses, holds board and advisory roles across multiple Food & Beverage export businesses such as Giesen Wines, Pics Peanut Butter, Lilo Desserts and is an advisor to NZTE portfolio customers on scaling for export growth.  Nicola is known for her passion in building a shared future for the next generation of NZ Food & Beverage businesses on the global stage.

She was recognized in 2025 as one of Cuisine Magazine’s Top 50 Women in Food & Drink Aotearoa New Zealand