Our Team
ABOUT US
KANDO was founded with a simple goal — to make New Zealand a safer, more efficient, and more confident place to work through the power of technology.
We don’t believe innovation should stay hidden. Our mission is to transform industries locally and internationally by helping businesses set new benchmarks for performance, safety, and reliability.
What we do
We combine engineering, automation, and machine vision to solve real-world challenges:
- Addressing skilled labour shortages
- Reducing training time
- Improving workplace safety
- Minimising downtime and waste
- Increasing productivity and output quality
How we’re different
From the Guardian Bandsaw to the world’s first automated mussel opener, our team works closely with industry leaders to rethink how work gets done — especially where processes are manual, repetitive, or high-risk.
We don’t just respond to problems — we often identify them before they emerge.
Our approach
With deep technical expertise and a diverse, forward-thinking team, we continuously look for opportunities to make industries — and the people 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 background in international marketing and the primary industry, with a degree in agricultural science, as well as international sales and marketing experience gained while working for Fonterra. Upon returning to New Zealand, Ken joined Pernod Ricard as Production Director, and most recently, he was a shareholder and Managing Director of Superb Herb, an innovative horticultural business.
Ken is a keen sportsman, having played rugby into his 40s, but more recently has been 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.
Matt Evans
General Manager Engineering
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.
BLAINE MURBACH
Industrial Sales Specialist
Blaine holds a degree in Industrial Distribution from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and brings over 10 years of experience in industrial process automation, spanning both OEM and MRO sectors. Based in Kansas City, he works closely with clients to deliver practical, efficient solutions that enhance operational performance. Outside of work, Blaine enjoys football, exploring new foods, and attending live sports and concert events.
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.
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.
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.
Nicholas Hildreth
Principle Software Engineer