John Chapman is a transformational executive leader whose career bridges governance, executive leadership, and hands-on community impact. Beginning his working life in the trades, John went in pursuit of his passion and in the early 2000’s became the youngest New Zealand Rugby Union provincial CEO, leading Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Football Union. His leadership journey has since spanned sport, workforce development, education, mental health, and social services.

As CEO of MATES in Construction NZ, John has led the organisation into a new era with a clear focus, Kia Tūrama te Awhero – To ignite hope, expanding its reach and deepening its impact in mental health and suicide prevention across the construction industry and the wider community within Aotearoa. Alongside his role at MATES, he co-owns KAEA, a business specialising in pastoral care and workforce navigation for the trades sector, and serves as Co-Chair of the Government’s Workforce Development Council for Construction and Infrastructure.

From boardrooms to building sites, and from sports fields to community programs, John brings strategic vision, cultural intelligence, and a deeply human approach to leadership — driven by his belief that igniting hope is the first step to saving lives.