Former Westpac exec to head up NZHL

New Zealand Home Loans has appointed Kip Hanna who replaces Aaron Skilton.

Hanna has returned to New Zealand after serving as the chief executive of Westpac Fiji.

Acting NZHL chair Monique Cairns says Hanna has been appointed following an extensive recruitment process focused on finding an engaging leader to harness and grow the group.

“In Kip we’ve found a people focused, engaging and inclusive leader with a values driven approach to achievement and business growth.  We believe he can successfully take NZHL and its unique network of 70 locally owned businesses, servicing more than 20,000 clients right across New Zealand, into its next phase.”

Cairns says Hanna also impressed the board with his genuine passion for financial inclusion, education and empowerment.

“Kip will add strength, leadership and future focus to the helm of an already high performing Leadership and Support Office Team.”

Now Auckland based, Hanna starts at NZHL on July 4.

“Given the increasingly challenging economic environment, what NZHL does - help its clients achieve financial freedom, faster - has never been more relevant.  And from a business perspective it’s very exciting to be able to consider growth through that lens.”

“I’m looking forward to getting out across the country to meet our network of business owners and teams in the coming months, as well as many clients as I can on the way around,” Hanna says.

Cairns says the board would also like to formally acknowledge the work and positive momentum achieved by NZHL Acting CEO/GM Strategy & Transformation Igor Stychinsky in recent months.

“Igor has set an impressive standard wearing two hats, and as NZHL moves into the next phase of its customer focused digital transformation we know that programme remains in the best of hands with him,” Cairns said.

UPDATED: An earlier version of this story said NZHL was owned by Kiwibank. It is owned by Kiwi Group Holdings which owns NZHL, Kiwibank and Kiwi Wealth.