Debbie Gisby

Director

BBus, PGDipAcc, CA

Debbie joined Graham Brown & Co in 2001 under the guidance of co-founder Ros Brown and became a Director in 2009. Since then, she has played a key role in the firm’s growth, leading the expansion into Tokoroa in 2011 and helping develop the practice into a 45-strong team.

Raised in the Waikato, Debbie originally pursued travel and hospitality roles in London before returning to New Zealand in 1995. After running her own successful retail ventures, she formalised her accounting career by completing a business degree at Massey University while raising three children. She went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant through CAANZ.

For Debbie, accounting has always been about people first. She thrives on building strong client relationships and supporting staff to achieve their goals. Her work increasingly extends beyond compliance into strategy, governance, and succession planning, where she brings a practical, people-centred perspective.

Community involvement is another cornerstone of her career. Debbie actively contributes her skills as Treasurer for the Breast Cancer Research Trust, the Op Shop for Breast Cancer, Tauranga Dance Incorporated, and the South Waikato Dance Festival. She also leads Graham Brown & Co’s commitment to providing pro-bono services to charities and community initiatives, embedding social responsibility into the firm’s culture.

When not working, Debbie enjoys gardening, spending time with her golden retriever Luna, and pursuing a long-held goal of becoming a licensed pilot.