Kiwibank appoints Steve Jurkovich as new CEO

Thursday 26th April 2018

Kiwbank has appointed Steve Jurkovich, formerly of ASB Bank, as its new chief executive.

Jurkovich, who will begin the role on July 30, recently worked at ASB as executive general manager of business banking for just over a year. Before that, he was ASB's executive general manager role for corporate, commercial and rural banking for six years.

Former chief executive Paul Brock, who was part of the team that set up the bank in 2002 and spent seven years in charge of the country's fifth-largest bank, left Kiwibank at the end of last year. His departure followed a shake-out at Kiwibank's board after former chair Rob Morrison and his deputy Rhoda Philippo resigned in April 2017 when the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and Accident Compensation Corp installed their own representatives.

In a statement, Kiwibank chair Susan Macken said the board had looked globally for a new chief executive, and selected Jurkovich citing his extensive experience across the industry, a focus on customers and a "deep understanding of the future of banking".

Jurkovich said New Zealand has a higher level of scrutiny and arguably healthier culture in the banking industry compared to Australia, where an ongoing Royal Commission into the sector has unearthed numerous examples of fraud and unethical practices. Australian banks own New Zealand's four biggest banks.

"Kiwibank has an incredible brand that resonates with all New Zealanders and it’s a real privilege to be asked to guard and increase the reach of that brand," Jurkovich said. "Banks have an important role to play in sustaining a prosperous New Zealand and I believe Kiwibank is a business that can really make a positive difference in this regard."

(BusinessDesk)

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