Louis Hawke has been appointed as an independent non-executive director of BNZ, effective 1 February 2017, via a search conducted by SEQEL Partners.

“Mr Hawke has had a successful career in banking and finance with ANZ as Managing Director of Product, Strategy and Marketing, as GM of Commercial at Advance Bank (St George Business Finance) and General Manager roles at Westpac Banking Corporation. He has a keen grasp of how consumer behaviour and technological advances are changing the face of banking,” said BNZ chair Doug McKay.

During his career, Mr Hawke also held the role of Senior Engagement Manager with McKinsey & Company, where he specialised in strategic evaluations and takeovers, and was an economist with the Australian Government’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, providing advice on economic issues and policy.

“I am very pleased to be joining the Board. It is an exciting and challenging time for the industry and I believe I will be able to make a strong contribution to BNZ’s continued success,” said Mr Hawke.