Assistant governor and GM of strategy, engagement, and sustainability steps down at end of May

Simone Robbers (pictured), assistant governor and general manager of strategy, engagement and sustainability at the Reserve Bank, will leave her role at the end of May.
Robbers’ departure marks the end of a six-year tenure in which she played a central role in strategic transformation and external engagement at the bank.
Her resignation coincides with a broader leadership transition at the central bank, including the recent departures of Governor Adrian Orr and Assistant Governor Kate Kolich.
The Reserve Bank praises Robbers’ legacy and leadership
Christian Hawkesby, who was recently appointed as RBNZ governor for a six-month term, acknowledged Robbers’ wide-reaching contributions to the central bank, particularly her influence on legislation and regulatory collaboration.
“Simone’s many achievements include overseeing the Reserve Bank Act implementation, embedding more diverse thought into our ways of working, uplifting the Council of Financial Regulators (CoFR), and building out the key functions that play a crucial role for us achieving so much as a central bank,” Hawkesby said.
The RBNZ governor added that Robbers leadership has been instrumental in helping RBNZ achieve its mandate through a more strategic and inclusive approach.
Robbers reflects on achievements and the future ahead
Robbers, who joined RBNZ in 2019, expressed gratitude for her time at the central bank while signalling her intention to pursue new challenges.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to lead in this organisation, and work alongside such talented, passionate and capable people,” she said. “I fully support RBNZ’s direction of travel under Christian’s leadership as governor, but the time is right for me to explore other opportunities.”
Strategic impact through engagement and reform
During her tenure, Robbers helped lead major strategic initiatives, including the implementation of the updated Reserve Bank Act, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and promoting diversity of thought within RBNZ’s organisational structure.
She also played a key role in elevating the work of CoFR, New Zealand’s primary financial regulatory coordination body.