New Zealand names new governor of RBNZ

Anna Breman is first woman to hold post

- LUCY CRAYMER

Anna Breman, newly appointed governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, speaks at the parliament in Wellington yesterday.

(REUTERS)

New Zealand yesterday named Swedish national Anna Breman, as its new central bank governor, the first woman in the role who joins following a major shakeup at the bank amid criticism over its management of the economy.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis said Ms Breman, currently the first deputy governor of Sweden’s central bank, the Riksbank, will take up her role at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) on Dec 1.

“Dr Breman comes to New Zealand with an impressive blend of technical skills and organisational leadership experience,’ Ms Willis told a news conference in Wellington.

Ms Breman, 49, used her first remarks to praise the New Zealand bank’s reputation, following the surprise departure of its previous governor, who repeatedly clashed with the government.

“The Reserve Bank is an excellent institution: it’s known globally for being the first to develop inflation targeting,’ she told reporters.

“Staff are dedicated, they are loyal. They know how important the institution is to New Zealand.”

Ms Breman was nominated for the role by the RBNZ board following a worldwide search, in which 300 potential candidates were identified, Ms Willis said.

RBNZ board deputy chair Rodger Finlay welcomed Ms Breman’s appointment.