Our Team
About Us
KANDO began with the drive to make New Zealand a safer, more efficient and more confident place to work through developing and implementing the latest technology. Not satisfied with keeping our innovations a secret to the rest of the world, KANDO is on a mission to transform industries and manufacturing internationally, by helping businesses and industry leaders set global benchmarks for performance and safety.
Leveraging the latest advances in engineering, automation, and machine vision technologies enables us to address some of today’s biggest workplace challenges. Challenges like labour shortages in skilled and seasonal work, reducing the amount of time spent training, enabling workers to return home safely without injuries, minimising downtime and wastage, and increasing the productivity and quality of outputs within primary and industrial sectors.
Home to the Guardian Bandsaw and the world’s first and only automated mussel opener, KANDO engineers work closely with industry leaders to discover and develop innovative ways to automate or improve manual, repetitive or potentially dangerous processes.
There are times when we identify potential problems or possibilities for improvement before industries do. We do that with a serious knowledge of the capabilities of technology, drawing on the smarts of our diverse team, and relentlessly seeking opportunities to make our industries, and the people that work within them, bolder, better, and safer.
Meet the team
Keith Blenkinsopp
Managing Director
Keith has over 25 years’ experience in automation covering a wide range of industries. He is passionate about working with clients to understand their needs and delivering innovative solutions that drive progress through advanced automation. Keith has an NZCE in Mechanical Engineering.
Shaun Hurd
General Manager Operations
With a PhD in Physics and Electronic Engineering, Shaun is an expert at machine learning for meat robotics systems. With thirteen years of experience in this industry, Shaun oversees and develops our software and control systems. When he’s not working, he heads outdoors to cycle and kayak.
Steve Ledbetter
President North America
Steve has over 20 years of executive experience managing profit and loss for international technology & manufacturing companies. He has a strong track record of driving growth, leading action-oriented teams, and delivering results, including managing the P&L division at a publicly traded company. When he’s not working, he enjoys traveling to new destinations with his wife.
Ken Rogers
Global Vice President
Ken has a strong international marketing and primary industry background with a degree in agricultural science, as well as international sales and marketing experience gained while working for Fonterra. Returning to New Zealand Ken joined Pernod Ricard as Production Director and most recently Ken was a shareholder and Managing Director of Superb Herb an innovative horticultural business.
Ken is a keen sportsman having played rugby into his 40’s but more recently, concentrating on snowboarding, scuba diving and fishing.“
Nicholas Blenkinsopp
Global Sales Director
With degrees in Property and Finance (BCOM,BPROP) from the University of Auckland. Nicholas operates out of the Guardian Omaha office. Nicholas is focused on providing the right Guardian solution to customers. A keen surfer who’s working on his golf swing due to a lack of waves in Omaha.
Joseph Dumaran
Production Manager
With a BE (Honours) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Joseph is proficient at troubleshooting electrical and pneumatics systems. He manages and motivates the production team, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and with excellence. Outside of work, he is a professional tenpin bowler.
Shaun Judd
Project Manager
Shaun holds a Trade Certificate in Manufacturing and Tool Making. With extensive experience developing race car parts, Shaun manages the manufacture of all production and development components. Outside of work Shaun races in New Zealand’s GT1 racing category.
Nicholas Hildreth
Principle Software Engineer
Matt Evans
Program Manager
With a background in defense, mining and food processing, Matt brings a broad range of experience in machine design, product development and project management. Matt is responsible for overseeing the design and development of Guardian machinery, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope and within budget. Matt holds a PhD in mechatronics engineering.
Carlotta Blenkinsopp
Service and Support Manager
After finishing university, Carlotta worked in Guardian’s spare parts department. Now based in Auckland, Carlotta oversees the after sales support team and is passionate about everyone having the best Guardian experience. When not working, she enjoys getting outdoors and spending time at New Zealand’s beautiful beaches.
Mike Rizzari
Protein Sales Specialist
With 25+ years of experience in the meat processing equipment industry, Mike joins our team as Sales Specialist (Protein). Mike has a hands-on approach to problem solving and providing solutions to meet customers’ equipment needs. Mike enjoys traveling, biking, playing ice hockey and hiking.
Leon Green
Industrial Sales Specialist
As an experienced professional in industrial sales, Leon has a passion for building strong client relationships & driving business growth. His blend of professional dedication and personal fulfillment drives him to excel in every aspect of his life. Outside work, he enjoys sports and spending quality time with his son. His newest hobby is cooking.