Todd was born in Rotorua and raised in Reporoa and Taupo. He has created and owned a number of successful businesses and has worked in a political capacity internationally, in the European Parliament. In 2000 he was appointed the Cook Islands and Niue Ambassador to the European Union. He was first elected in 2008 as the National Party candidate for the Rotorua electorate. Todd has worked hard to service the needs of both the urban township of Rotorua, and the large rural constituency that makes up most of the Rotorua electorate. He recognises the vital role that rural New Zealand plays in the economic and cultural fabric of the country, and is committed to being an active voice in Parliament for all parts of the electorate.