Snorkel announces new managing director of New Zealand production facility

Snorkel has appointed Jonathan ‘Jonno’ Tulitt as the new managing director of its New Zealand manufacturing facility. Jonathan brings more than 20 years’ experience to the role in prior operational and engineering capacities across multiple industries, including passenger rail operations and rail rolling stock manufacturing and engineering.

In his 22-year career, Jonathan has worked for Transdev Australasia (and Veolia Transport Limited prior to its acquisition by Transdev) in both their Auckland and Wellington operations in capacities including performance manager, operations manager, fleet controller, project engineer, general manager of operations, and acting chief operating officer. He has achieved records in the areas of safety, operational performance, and customer service. As general manager of operations for Transdev Wellington, he was able to exceed forecasted performance and earnings in 2020 despite the impact of Covid-19. Prior to his lengthy career at Transdev/Veolia, Jonathan worked as operations manager for Bombardier Transportation where he oversaw operations management, productivity, scheduling, repairs and maintenance of stock, among other duties.

Jonathan also served for 11 years in the New Zealand Air Force as a qualified armament technician undertaking aircraft maintenance, component servicing, explosive store housing and accounting.

Of his new role, Jonathan said, “I changed industries and joined Snorkel New Zealand as I was looking for a new challenge from a professional perspective. Snorkel is a well-known brand, and the opportunity to join a thriving company and contribute to its continued success was too good an opportunity to pass up. The locality of the business also enables me to work closer to home and spend more time with family.”

Jonathan is looking forward to supporting the passionate Snorkel employees as well as the local industry and community while continuing to grow the Snorkel brand in New Zealand and supporting the growth of the business globally.

Matthew Elvin, CEO of Xtreme Manufacturing and Snorkel said, “We are excited to have Jonno join our team. He is dynamic, energetic and results-driven. I am very confident in his ability to combine a hands-on approach with structured business development strategies that will enable him to deliver exceptional results.”

Jonathan replaces Rob Theunissen who retired in December 2021. Rob was president of Snorkel New Zealand, manufacturing manager and company director upon his retirement.