Al Monro has joined the board of e-commerce solutions company, eStar.

Monro brings to eStar significant skills gained helping New Zealand hi-tech companies grow globally, including sales strategies and developing channels to market.

He was previously CEO of NextWindow, a developer of optical touch screens that was acquired by Smart Technologies in April 2010. In 10 years Mr Monro grew this business from two employees to more than 140 staff and US$46 million in sales.

“I’m delighted to join eStar, an Australasian company with an exciting future in the e-commerce space,” said Monro.

“In a competitive international market, eStar has proven it can attract and retain top quality customers with the likes of the Country Road Group and Briscoe Group, among many others. I believe eStar has a strong and experienced executive management team and Board, and is poised for growth.”

Monro is also a director of Foster Moore International, Phitek Systems and Optima. Prior to NextWindow, Monro spent 18 years with IBM in New Zealand and Asia, in a variety of sales, marketing, business management and leadership roles.

Established in Christchurch in 1998, eStar is a leading Australasian e-commerce company whose clients include EziBuy, Country Road, Briscoe Group, and Rodd & Gunn.