Grant Baker is a New Zealand businessman, entrepreneur,[1] and venture capitalist, widely recognized for his involvement in high-profile business ventures and for his contributions to the New Zealand entrepreneurial landscape.
Grant Baker | |
|---|---|
 Grant Baker Portrait Image | |
| Born | 1957 (age 66–67) |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Co-founding The Business Bakery, 42 Below, Turners Automotive Group, and involvement with Trilogy International |
Early life and education edit
Grant Baker was raised in Mangere, located in the south of Auckland, New Zealand, with interests in motorsports from a young age. He attended teachers' college[2] with the intention of earning an education degree but left early to pursue a career in sales.
Career edit
Baker's career began with newspaper ad sales before moving to office equipment sales. He is best known for co-founding the successful venture capital firm The Business Bakery. He gained notable attention for his role in the creation and $132 million sale of 42 Below vodka to Bacardi in 2006.[3] As a chairman and principal of Auckland-based Business Bakery, Baker played a pivotal role in the $211 million takeover of Trilogy International by Citic Capital Partners.[4]
Following the successful sale of Trilogy, Baker, along with his business partners, turned their attention to Me Today, an NZX-listed health and skincare company, which they believe has the potential to replicate Trilogy's success.[5][6]
During the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), Baker's venture capital firm invested in Dorchester Pacific.[7][8] This investment was pivotal as Dorchester evolved into Turners Automotive Group, which emerged as a notable entity in the NZ50 index.[9] Baker's role transitioned to that of a non-executive chairman and a substantial shareholder in Turners Automotive Group.
Philanthropy edit
After his battle with bowel cancer, Baker co-founded the Gut Cancer Foundation, which aims to support research and increase awareness of gut cancers in New Zealand.[10][11]
Personal life edit
Baker is an avid car collector, known for his collection of Ferraris.[12] He has been involved in motorsport racing in Ferrari's Challenge Series [13] as well as the support of young racing drivers, including Formula 1’s Liam Lawson.[14]
References edit
- ^ "Big project in train for Baker's residential property fund". NBR | The Authority since 1970. 1 November 2023.
- ^ "My Net Worth: Grant Baker, chairman, Turners Automotive Group and Me Today". businessdesk.co.nz.
- ^ "42 Below founder to be multi-millionaire". NZ Herald. 6 March 2024.
- ^ "The Business Bakery to enjoy a bigger slice of Trilogy International". NBR. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
- ^ "Me Today board buys into more shares". BusinessDesk. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
- ^ "Grant Baker, Geoff Ross and Stephen Sinclair purchase stake in Me Today". NBR. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
- ^ "Business Leader of the Year Finalist: Grant Baker". NZ Herald. 6 March 2024.
- ^ "Vodka trio move into finance company business". NZ Herald. 6 March 2024.
- ^ "Turners to enter the S&P NZX 50 and MidCap Index - NZX, New Zealand's Exchange". www.nzx.com.
- ^ "Supercar show raising funds to fight cancer". Stuff. 16 October 2015.
- ^ Anthony, John (20 March 2015). "Businessman's Ferraris raise cancer awareness". Stuff.
- ^ "Me & My Car: living life in Ferrari heaven". Driven Car Guide. 10 November 2018.
- ^ "Ferrari Challenge Driver Grant Baker - Ferrari.com". www.ferrari.com.
- ^ "My Net Worth: Grant Baker, chairman, Turners Automotive Group and Me Today". BusinessDesk. Retrieved 6 November 2023.