Meet Our Leadership

Our leadership team brings decades of experience in education, strategy, and innovation — ensuring our learners receive world-class support and guidance.

Brijesh Sethi

Founder & Chairman (NZSEG), Chair of Quality Tertiary Institutions (QTI) Arriving in New Zealand over 27 years ago after a successful career in engineering, I have built up an education group with a vision of transforming lives through the power of learning. I am a strong advocate for accessibility and flexibility of learning, particularly for those who are disadvantaged and falling through the traditional education system. NZSEG has survived and thrived by being agile and flexible in its approach and having a strong network in the education sector. I hold the position of co-chairmanship of Quality Tertiary Institutions (a peak body of large quality funded private providers) and actively work with all other peak bodies in the education sector to support the Government in their decision-making processes.

Wendy Liao

Group Chief Executive Officer With over 25 years of experience in the tertiary education sector — working in small, medium, large institutes — I have developed my leadership, academic, and marketing skills through different roles with these organisations. I have come to understand the many needs and challenges which learners face but I have faith in the power of learning to make positive changes, not only in learners’ lives, but to society as a whole. As the CEO, my focus is leading the team to make our Vision and Mission thrive by providing quality educational experiences for our students to help them succeed in their life goals. We are a student-centred organisation with strong processes and excellent ties to government and industry stakeholders, and we remain steady in growth.

Mary Waugh

Group Academic Director QA and Products I have worked in the tertiary sector for the past 19 years in both ITPs and the PTE sector. I have a broad knowledge of the NZQA Framework, academic excellence, and a strong understanding of quality assurance and compliance. My role as Group Academic Director across the two PTEs is to lead the academic team to support our students to succeed in their academic journey. I am passionate about improving learners’ lives through quality programmes and delivery that lead to positive outcomes for the learner, their family, and the community.

Dr. Neel Pandey

Academic Director (NZSE/Research and Operations) I am an Executive Leader and Chartered Engineer with profound experience spanning professional engineering, educational leadership, and strategic leadership. My passion for education led me to transition from a career as a Research & Development Engineer to academia, where I have dedicated myself to fostering excellence, innovation, and student success.

Daniel Goudie

Academic Director (Seafield) I am an experienced academic leader in ESOL school administration and a champion for student-centred teaching and learner engagement. For a decade, I’ve led Seafield School of English, guiding it to become the first New Zealand PTE approved for permanent online delivery of the New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4) (Academic). With a passion for language, I’ve mastered Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese, and studied Korean, Japanese, and te reo Māori.

Jennie Parker

People and Capability Director Having worked in the education industry since graduating with a Bachelor’s in French and Russian, first as an ESOL Teacher and then in support and educational management roles, I am passionate about the transformational role it plays in people’s lives. My role has progressed further into People and Culture as I believe in growing people’s potential and building staff capability to enhance the organisation’s culture.

Andrew Brennan

Group Operations Director I have spent the past 19 years working across various roles, from teaching to management and leadership at NZSEG. This journey has given me invaluable experience in the tertiary education sector and a deep appreciation for the impact education has on transforming lives. In my role as Group Operations Director, I am committed to ensuring the smooth and effective running of NZSEG’s training providers. I take great pride in supporting our teams, improving systems and processes, and upholding the quality of education we deliver. My passion lies in empowering students and staff alike, knowing that education has the power to create meaningful opportunities for all.

Martin McVeigh

Group Finance Director Before I joined NZSE College in 2014, I worked for a tertiary education provider in the UK for 9 years and have a strong understanding of how a finance team can provide support across the faculty. I consider accurate and timely production of financial data to be crucial in aiding the decision-making of budget holders and senior management. In 2019 I took on an additional portfolio in the enrolment department to ensure the consistency of enrolment and finance records.

Our Vision

Transforming lives through the power of education

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NZSEG is dedicated to providing quality education and creating opportunities for learners to succeed in their careers.

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