The Icehouse appoints Duncan McFarlane as new chairperson
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Icehouse has appointed wine industry boss Duncan McFarlane as its new chair, taking over from long-time chair David Downs.
Marlborough-based McFarlane, who is the founder of Indevin Group, New Zealand’s largest wine producer and exporter, will start in the job as chair from June 1.
He has been on the board of Icehouse as a director for the past 18 months, and will continue to travel to Auckland for board meetings.
The business growth and start up incubator said McFarlane brings “deep commercial experience” and a first-hand understanding of what it takes to scale a New Zealand business to the organisation.
Icehouse chief executive Olivia Blaylock said McFarlane’s appointment would lead the organisation into its next chapter, focused on helping more SMEs lift productivity and compete with greater confidence on the global stage.
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“We often tell our customers that what got them here won’t get them there, and the same applies to us. Duncan brings a rare combination of founder, CEO and Icehouse alumni. He understands first-hand what it takes to scale a business, and to scale yourself. That perspective will be invaluable as we shape what comes next,” said Blaylock.
The Icehouse creates programmes and courses to offer businesses practical support to help owners respond to immediate pressures while preparing for longer-term challenges, including AI adoption, succession planning and the need to build more ambitious, globally competitive businesses.
McFarlane said he was “honoured” to be asked to be chair.
His own journey with Icehouse first began in 2008, when he completed the organisation’s Owner Manager Programme.
Taking on the role of chairperson was a chance to give back to the community that had helped shape him, and many other business owners, he said.
“I’m excited about what’s ahead, building on the foundations laid over the past 25 years, making sure Icehouse continues to empower Kiwi founders and business leaders to think bigger, grow with confidence, and create lasting impact across New Zealand,” McFarlane said.
“I'm excited, and looking forward to setting the foundation for next 25 years.”
McFarlane is also chair of Thornhill, and a director on the board of Indevin Group.
Blaylock said Icehouse saw “an opportunity, and responsibility” to lift productivity across SMEs.
“That includes helping business owners adopt AI in practical ways but also tackling bigger structural challenges like an ageing population of business owners and lifting the ambition of New Zealand businesses so we can compete more strongly on the global stage.”
Independent research recently found that 79% of Icehouse alumni have increased their turnover since completing the programme, with 45% able to grow by more than 50% and nearly one in every three doubling their revenue or better.