BNZ today announced that PwC Chief Executive Officer and Senior Partner Bruce Hassall has been appointed to the BNZ board of directors, with effect from 21 December, 2015.

“Bruce Hassall is an outstanding leader and heads up the largest professional services firm in New Zealand,” said BNZ Chairman Doug McKay.

“Bruce is an all-rounder with broad and deep experience and connections across the New Zealand economy including in the SME, government, not-for-profit and export sectors.

“His extensive consulting background and knowledge of the New Zealand corporate environment will allow him to bring valuable insights to the work of our board.

“As a member of PwC’s Asia-Pacific leadership team he has a unique knowledge of that vitally important market, and he’s also a board member of the New Zealand China Council.

“Bruce has advised boards and audit committees for many of New Zealand’s major companies on corporate governance, financial reporting and internal controls. He will be a member of the BNZ Audit Committee,” said Mr McKay.

Mr Hassall said, “It is a privilege to be appointed to the BNZ board and I look forward to bringing my experience to the table.

“BNZ has a deep and abiding association with the progress of New Zealand. As a board member, I look forward to bringing my experience to our strategic conversations at a time of great challenge and change for our industry.

“My knowledge of the Asian market and the primary industries sector will be particularly relevant in my new role.

“I also have a keen interest in the area of digital disruption and the transformational impact it is having on the established business models of both the bank and our customers,” added Mr Hassall.

Mr Hassall will be an independent director of BNZ.