He will focus on transformation
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) has appointed Paul Conway as its new chief economist, focusing on the potential to improve productivity and wellbeing in New Zealand through digital transformation.
BNZ chief financial officer Peter MacGillivray said Conway is uniquely placed to analyse significant digital shifts and their potential to lift New Zealand’s economic performance as he spent seven years at the Productivity Commission and contributed to BNZ’s half-yearly Wellbeing Report and digital transformation report Connected New Zealand.
“Paul breaks the mould of the traditional bank economist who typically focuses on house prices, interest rates, and the state of the business cycle,” MacGillivray said.
Conway commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to be BNZ’s new chief economist, and I’m excited by the potential of taking this role in a new direction that adds to BNZ’s already impressive economics capability.
“COVID-19 presents us with a unique opportunity to build a more productive economy that delivers better outcomes for all New Zealanders, and it’s the right time to change the direction of this role and embrace these new opportunities and challenges.
“A strong focus on how we can embed and maximise the benefits of digital technology will help us build stronger, more resilient businesses that deliver high-value products and services, create better jobs, and enhance wellbeing,” Conway concluded.
