Ian Hankins appointed as chief financial officer

Westpac New Zealand (NZ) has announced the appointment of Ian Hankins into the role of chief financial officer, subject to Reserve Bank of New Zealand approval.

Mr Hankins has been acting in the position since mid-December 2017.

Westpac NZ chief executive David McLean said after a global search, it was “heartening to know that Ian was an outstanding candidate among his international peers.

“Secondly, it is great to know that Westpac NZ has fostered an environment where we can grow and promote our own talent who is comparable on a global scale,” Mr McLean said.

“In his more than 16 years with Westpac NZ, Ian has shown that he consistently puts people and customers at the forefront of business decisions, and we will look to him to bring this quality to the table as a member of Westpac NZ’s Executive Team, and as our chief financial officer.”

Mr Hankins joined Westpac NZ in 2002, working in various roles in finance and operations, and in consumer and commercial banking.

In 2016, he took on the role of chief transformation officer, leading the bank’s ongoing programme across Westpac NZ to transform the business, delivering a complex set of more than 400 initiatives over an 18-month period.

Mr Hankins said he was honoured by the appointment.

“I look forward to continuing to ensure the best outcomes for Westpac NZ’s customers and for the sustainability of the business,” Mr Hankins said.