Mark Bentley manages the advancement function at University of Auckland, a global role that acts as the organisation’s “Chief Development Officer” as well as reconnecting alumni to their alma mater. In 2019, Mark’s team concluded the university’s award-winning campaign, For All Our Futures, which raised $380 million, making it the largest fundraising campaign in New Zealand’s history.

Mark's career started in the United Kingdom in marketing roles in television sport and construction before he "found" education and the philanthropic sector. For the last 28 years he has worked in leadership roles in communications, fundraising, grant-making, and alumni relations, including stints at Manchester Business School, the University of Auckland Business School, and as inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Auckland Foundation. At a governance level, he has supported initiatives to link supportive businesses with schools in deprived areas, as well as being a director for Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand for eight years.