Chris Clews

Managing Director

Chris started DE Group. That was over 30 years ago.

In all that time, he’s never lost his passion for clever design, building things and solving problems. He’s built a strong team, too.

These days, Chris leaves a lot of the day-to-day responsibility in their hands, but you won’t find him far from the workshop, checking out what’s going on and making some ‘helpful’ suggestions.

Seriously, we’re lucky to have him. Chris is a relentless advocate for getting all the bugs ironed out, so our clients get an easy ride. It’s a customer-centric culture that gets results.

And it means he can truly relax when he goes fishing or hangs out at the bach on Rakino Island.

Mark Clews

General Manager

Give Mark the challenge of a major fit-out, and he’s in his happy place. He loves the variety and intensity of bringing a project to life.

Mark backs up this enthusiasm with a suite of practical skills, including architectural draughting and IT. He’s also up to speed on the all-important Site Safe and H&S requirements.

A true team player, Mark is great at managing multi-skilled groups and focusing them on our clients’ goals. He reckons that’s the only way to bring in a project on time and within budget.

After work, you might find him playing the saxophone or mixing tracks as a DJ. He’s also building his own race car.

As the old saying goes, if you want something done, get a busy man to do it.

Eti Sopoaga

Production Manager

With over 25 years in manufacturing, Eti is all about building teams, influencing culture, and making things happen. For him, it’s not just about the work – it’s about the people.

After a year at DE Group, Eti’s loving the variety of the role and the chance to see projects evolve from concept to completion. Every success is a team win, and he’s all about celebrating those moments.

Off the clock, Eti’s a big family guy – married with two daughters and a son. His faith keeps him grounded, and rugby league is his passion (Parramatta Eels supporter through and through . Whether he’s with his loved ones or catching a match, Eti’s energy and positive spirit shine through.

Edward Fuller

Design Manager

Every day is different when you work at DE Group. That’s doubly true when your title is Design Manager.

In the morning, Edward might be overseeing a pop-up store for a major brand. In the afternoon he’ll be crafting an exhibition stand for a multi-million-dollar trade show. And the next day it’ll be a whole new set of challenges.

Edward has a Bachelor’s Degree in Design. He says he loves anything that combines thinking with creativity. Our clients get the benefit of Edward’s professional training, lateral thinking and ability to blend the logical with the unexpected.

He’s been in the industry for 24 years, and he says he is still learning new things every day.

Ela Purnell

Designer

Ela’s design journey began in Cape Town, where her passion for problem-solving and creativity took shape. With a background in 3D design, she has crafted everything from luxury furniture and bespoke kitchen components to large-scale retail fit-outs.
With many years of hands-on experience, Ela thrives on tackling complex projects and bringing innovative solutions to life. Her expertise spans concept development, material selection, and precision execution—ensuring every design is as functional as it is visually striking.

She embraces challenges, working closely with teams and clients to transform ideas into standout spaces that leave a lasting impact.

Andrew Laird

Graphics and Signage Manager

Ask Andrew what motivates him, and he’ll say it’s seeing a creative point of difference executed on a completed job…and seeing the client’s delight when the signage is unveiled.

He’s inspired by the variety of signage tasks that come across his desk at DE Group. Large wayfinding projects in particular.

He modestly describes himself as a jack of all trades. But we think you should know he has a Bachelor of Visual Arts, so he understands the design principles that underpin the practical aspects of great signage.

Andrew knows how to let his hair down when the day is done. Ask him to tell you about the time he hiked to the top of Mount Ruapehu on a clear winter’s day with a petrol-powered blender and a few cold drinks – and then rode his snowboard to the bottom as fast as possible.

Marjoree Wimmers

Business Development Manager

A business professional with over 10 years of experience in sales, marketing and event planning, Marjoree has built her career upon a deep understanding of customer needs, strategic focus, fresh ideas and delivery experience. She has proven skills in the development, execution and management of successful projects.

Marjoree trained in International Hospitality Management, specialising in Event Management. Her experience in sales across a wide range of industries has proved invaluable when assisting clients with their projects. These days, you’ll find her helping companies like Meridian roll out their EV network and Chorus to drive return on investment through customer-centric initiatives.

A family person at heart, Marjoree spends a lot of time with her nearest and dearest and loves testing out her cooking skills in the kitchen.

Steven Clews

Sales Executive

After training as a chef and working in hospitality for seven years, Steven brought his customer service skills to our team.

He started as an Installer, so he knows what needs to happen on-site, and what it’s like to deliver a result when there’s a deadline involved. These days, he focuses on sales. Or as he prefers to describe it, “making sure the customer has the best possible experience.”

Steven keeps his hand in with some DIY at home. So if you need someone to pick up a power tool or make last-minute adjustments to your display, he won’t shrug and look the other way.

Brittany Jenks

Sales Executive

A people person with a passion for problem-solving, Brittany has spent 10 years turning client needs into success stories. With a background spanning events, interior design sales, and manufacturing, she knows how to bring ideas to life—creatively and strategically. Whether it’s planning, pitching, or project-managing, she’s all about making things happen (and having fun along the way).

Our team

About

Our Team2024-11-26T15:35:00+13:00

It’s a bit of a business cliché to say that ‘people are our greatest asset.’ Nevertheless, it’s true. Without their clever minds and years of experience, we wouldn’t be able to pull off the designs and meet the deadlines of our clients. Here are some of the experts you’ll meet when you work with DE Group.

Chris Clews

Managing Director

Mark Clews

General Manager

Eti Sopoaga

Production Manager

Edward Fuller

Design Manager

Ela Purnell

Designer

Andrew Laird

Graphics and Signage Manager

Marjoree Wimmers

Business Development Manager

Steven Clews

Sales Executive

Brittany Jenks

Sales Executive

Get in touch.

Let’s create something special.

We’re always happy to meet and discuss what you’re looking for. Drop us a line and we’ll get in touch.

Head Office

10 Prescott St,
Penrose 1061,
Auckland, NZ

Postal Address

PO Box 12193,
Penrose 1642,
Auckland, NZ

Opening Hours

8:30am – 5:00pm

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hianz nzsda site safe Beia Auckland Business Chamber EMA
Chris Clews2025-03-04T15:20:17+13:00
Mark Clews2025-03-04T15:21:40+13:00
Eti Sopoaga2025-03-04T15:22:43+13:00
Edward Fuller2025-03-04T15:23:11+13:00
Ela Purnell2025-03-04T15:23:40+13:00
Andrew Laird2025-03-04T15:24:08+13:00
Marjoree Wimmers2025-03-04T15:24:33+13:00
Steven Clews2025-03-04T15:24:58+13:00
Brittany Jenks2025-03-04T15:25:23+13:00