Three major entities within New Zealand’s financial landscape – AIA New Zealand, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), and Financial Advice New Zealand – have announced leadership changes.

The appointments reflect a series of strategic transitions intended to support long-term operational and market goals.

AIA NZ appoints head of strategic accounts

AIA New Zealand has created a new leadership position aimed at improving strategic partnerships and adviser support, appointing Jonathan Beale (pictured) as head of strategic accounts, effective September 2025.

Beale’s new role will involve overseeing strategic partnerships within AIA NZ’s distribution function. He will be responsible for strengthening adviser engagement and aligning distribution initiatives with the company’s broader strategic goals.

Beale’s previous roles include senior leadership positions at AMP, Westpac, and ASB. During his time as general manager wealth at ASB, he led advisory distribution and KiwiSaver expansion. His most recent role was as managing director, partnerships at Tower, where he helped secure partnerships with Kiwibank, TSB, and Ray White, among others.

Angela Busby, chief distribution officer at AIA NZ, said the appointment supports the insurer’s long-term partnership approach.

“I’m confident that Jonathan’s proven track record and innovative mindset will make him a fantastic addition to the team,” she said.

Beale stated he is looking forward to contributing to AIA’s distribution efforts.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to help innovate, grow, and support advisers to build meaningful and rewarding relationships with their clients and with AIA,” he said.

RBNZ finalises executive team

The Reserve Bank has completed the restructure of its executive leadership team with the promotion of Kate Le Quesne to the newly established role of assistant governor, enterprise services.

Her responsibilities will include oversight of core functions such as strategy, stakeholder engagement, risk, audit, governance, and internal projects. Her appointment is effective from June 16.

Le Quesne has been serving as RBNZ’s director of financial markets and has prior leadership experience at the New Zealand Treasury. Her international experience spans institutional banking in markets including Australia and the UK.

Governor Christian Hawkesby said the appointment is aligned with the bank’s shift to a more streamlined leadership model.

“This is a critical time for Te Pūtea Matua, and the changes we’re making are more than just structural. We want to ensure that we’re match-fit for the changing environment and context we’re operating in,” he said.

RBNZ is also implementing a revised structure for its broader leadership team, which now includes 20 director-level roles grouped into four divisions:

·Financial stability

·Money

·Enterprise services

·Operations

These changes are also scheduled to take effect on June 16.

Vanessa Rayner will serve as acting director of financial markets while a permanent replacement is sought.

Financial Advice New Zealand names new chair

Tiumalu Peter Fa’afiu will assume the role of Independent chair at Financial Advice New Zealand, succeeding Hon. Heather Roy, who steps down on July 1 after more than four years of service.

Fa’afiu has served as a board member for two years and brings experience in governance and community-focused advisory roles. He will continue to contribute a consumer-focused lens to the association’s board.

Roy acknowledged the transition as timely, stating: “Leading the board of Financial Advice New Zealand over the last four years, seeing it grow and flourish and more recently working to strengthen our constitution, has been a privilege,” she said. “It is now time for me to pass the baton to someone I know is going to take the association through its next phase.”

Fa’afiu said he aims to work closely with the CEO and board to advance the association’s mission.

“Now is a perfect time for building new pathways for Kiwis to obtain financial advice to help manage their financial well-being now and in the future,” he said.