BNZ names new chief economist

Mike Jones has been appointed as its new chief economist. Its previous chief economist, Paul Conway, left earlier this year to take up a role at the Reserve Bank.

BNZ Head of Research Stephen Toplis, says, “Mike is a highly respected economist with a wealth of experience in applied macroeconomics, analytics, econometrics and modelling.

“His strong skillset and ability to deliver research that is relevant and accessible to a diverse range of audiences will help us further our commitment to serving our customers brilliantly and helping our communities prosper.”

Jones previously worked at BNZ between 2009 and 2013 as its foreign exchange strategist. Since then, he has worked in a variety of roles including general manager, treasury risk management at Fonterra, director, corporate sales at Westpac and, most recently, as senior economist at ASB.

Jones says, “I’m passionate about using economic insights to help people and businesses make quality decisions that create a better future for our communities and for New Zealand, and the opportunity to return to BNZ in a role that furthers this objective is both unique and exciting.”