ANZ investments head stepping down

Graham Ansell had been with ANZ for 22 years.

Paul Huxford has been appointed acting chief investment officer.

Ansell has been chief investment officer for the past five years.

During that time, ANZ Investments has grown to more than $28 billion in funds under management, with almost 740,000 KiwiSaver members.

ANZ managing director of wealth Craig Mulholland thanked Ansell for his contribution to ANZ.

"After rive years as chief investment officer, this is a natural time for him to be thinking about his next opportunity. I wish him every success in the future."

Huxford has held senior global research roles with JP Morgan as well as Macquarie Bank and Bankers'Trust Deutsche Bank.

He will join ANZ next month and work with Ansell until he leaves at the end of the month.

ANZ has commenced a search for its new chief investment officer, which will include internal and external candidates.

"I'm excited about the future and would like to thank the outstanding bunch of people I've worked with at ANZ over the years," Ansell said.

Mulholland said the growth outlook for KiwiSaver meant ANZ was focused on ensuring it managed its investments business well.