The appointment reflects the bank's contribution to the industry
Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich has been appointed the new chair of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association. He will be taking over from Westpac CEO David McLean, who chaired the NZBA for three years.
This is the first time that Kiwibank has chaired the NZBA, and chief executive Roger Beaumont says the appointment highlights Kiwibank’s impact on the industry.
ASB chief executive Vittoria Short has been appointed deputy chair. Both new appointees will take on their roles for two years.
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“We’re delighted to have Kiwibank chairing the NZBA Council for the first time,” Beaumont commented. “This leadership role reflects Kiwibank’s contribution as a major bank in the industry.”
“David [McLean] made a special contribution as chair,” he added.
“He provided valuable leadership at a time when the banking industry faced issues including the conduct and culture review, an increase in banks’ capital requirements, and more recently the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Commenting on his new appointment, Steve Jurkovich said that banks play a crucial role in supporting the wellbeing of New Zealanders – something demonstrated to a huge effect over the COVID-19 pandemic, where banks offered vital support to customers experiencing financial difficulties.
He says having a New Zealand-owned bank as chair of the NZBA would go further in building a positive perception of the banking sector.
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“As chair of NZBA and chief executive of the largest New Zealand owned bank, I look forward to highlighting the role banks play in supporting the economic wellbeing of New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses, and to building the public perception of banks,” Jurkovich said.
The NZBZ was established in 1891, and currently has 17 member banks registered under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989. It acts as the voice of the banking industry in non-competitive and policy issues.
