Lisa Turnbull, who headed up NZX's platform business has been appointed chief executive of Smart. She replaces Anna Scott who left to head up Mercers.
Turnbull has been the chief executive of NZX subsidiary, NZX Wealth Technologies since 2017, successfully leading the investment platform from start-up to a key growth business within the NZX Group, with annual recurring revenue reaching $11.9 million at the end of June 2025.
“Lisa is a seasoned executive with a strong reputation for delivering growth and high-quality customer service. A chartered accountant with a background in funds management, finance, strategic development, and investment platforms," NZX chief financial and corporate officer Graham Law says.
"Lisa is the ideal person to lead Smart and ensure more New Zealanders build their wealth by investing in Smart’s extensive range of products – including exchange traded funds,” Law says.
Turnbull starts in the role immediately and says her focus is on enhancing the business’ strong growth.
“Smart is a fantastic New Zealand company with people dedicated to helping customers get ahead. Managing a high-performing team that grows the business by delivering first-class customer service, quality products and operational excellence will be my priorities,” Ms Turnbull says.
“Smart has a huge opportunity in front of it that is exciting with the KiwiSaver pool of funds expected to grow to around five times its present size by 2050.”
NZX chief information officer Robert Douglas has been appointed acting chief executive of NZX Wealth Technologies.
Douglas is a experienced executive, with around 30 years’ experience in financial services, and a proven record of leading teams that provide quality service.
“My focus is on delivering to the strong pipeline of opportunities NZX Wealth Technologies has as one of the fastest growing and best regarded investment platforms in the New Zealand market,” Douglas says.
Douglas’ CIO role will be filled in an acting capacity by NZX’s head of capital market and digital technology Daniel Juchnowicz.
Also, Smart has appointed James Wesley to a newly created executive role of chief sales and marketing officer. Wesley, who previously was chief executive of Nikko Asset Management Americas based in New York, begins in November.
