Gavin has led the business since 2011, when he and his wife Debbie became owners. With over 25 years in the industry, he brings deep operational knowledge and a long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility, safety, and service excellence. Having started with the company in 1999, and with a background in transport as a Class 5 driver, Gavin understands the business from the ground up. His practical experience gives him a unique ability to anticipate challenges, solve problems quickly, and keep customer service at the forefront. A hands-on leader, Gavin is just as comfortable operating the plant or driving a truck as he is shaping the company’s strategic direction.

Debbie has been instrumental in steering the company since 2011, overseeing health, safety, compliance, and quality systems. She plays a critical role in ensuring Glide not only meets its legal obligations but operates to the highest ethical and environmental standards. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep commitment to sustainability, Debbie has championed new practices that align operations with long-term environmental goals. Her dedication to creating a safe, compliant, and forward-thinking workplace continues to be a driving force behind the company’s growth and evolution.

Mark joined the business in 2023 through his investment company, Greenwheel Limited, to support Glide’s transition to a low-carbon future. He brings extensive experience in business management and ownership across diverse industries, providing complementary skills and fresh perspective. Aligned with the Thomas family’s values, Mark shares the vision of building an industry-leading sustainable business, focused on doing the right thing for customers, people, and the planet.

Craig became a non-executive director in 2023, joining alongside the Greenwheel investment. A chartered accountant with decades of experience, he brings financial and governance expertise that strengthens Glide’s ability to grow with confidence and integrity.

John joined the business in 2025, coinciding with the launch of the Glide brand. A respected industry veteran, he has held senior leadership roles across the global petroleum sector, including Head of Assets for Z Energy, and senior operations, engineering, and asset management roles with BP in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. He was also General Manager of Wiri Oil Services, New Zealand’s largest inland terminal, and later served as a Specialist Inspector (Petroleum and Geothermal) with WorkSafe NZ. With businesses across the energy sector moving towards a low-carbon economy, John is excited to lead Glide in delivering a circular solution for lubricating oil in New Zealand.

 gm@glideoil.co.nz

A qualified mechanical engineer, Rhys has been with the business since 2011 and now leads operations. Combining technical expertise with a focus on quality and efficiency, he has been pivotal in shaping Glide’s processes and raising the bar for safety, compliance, and environmental performance. Rhys is passionate about continuous improvement and gold-standard operations. His practical mindset and commitment to excellence help future-proof the business while keeping it grounded in its hands-on, hardworking roots.

 ops@glideoil.co.nz

Leah joined Glide in 2021 after several years working in the UK, bringing strong experience in training, management, and team development. As Business Support Services Manager, she oversees finance, HR, and administration, ensuring smooth operations across the business. Passionate about building for future generations, Leah is dedicated to clear communication, continuous improvement, and supporting both the team and customers to succeed together.

 businessservices@glideoil.co.nz

With a background in law and international sales across the UK and US, Phillip brings broad expertise in stakeholder relations. He builds strong connections with regulators, industry partners, and community groups, fostering collaboration and shared goals. His ability to navigate complex commercial environments and bring people together helps drive initiatives that advance Glide’s mission of turning waste oil into a sustainable resource.

sales&marketing@glideoil.co.nz

Debbie has been with the business since 2011 and plays an essential leadership role in health and safety practices and improvements, regulatory compliance, and our ISO certification program. Debbie ensures the company not only meets its legal obligations but integrates a system-based safety and health focus across all our operations, from reporting incident and near miss data to continuous improvement programs aligned to the company's strategic objectives. As a key part of the Glide Leadership Team, Debbie provides ongoing focus on Safe and Reliable in every aspect of our operations including implementing more sustainable approaches across the business, helping to align operations with long-term environmental goals. Debbie's dedication to creating a safe, compliant, and forward-thinking workplace has been a driving force in the company's continued growth and evolution.

hhse@glideoil.co.nz