Westpac NZ has appointed Debbie Birch as an independent non-executive director, effective April 18, 2024.
Birch brings more than 30 years of financial markets experience, including managing global investment portfolios. She’s held a number of high-profile executive roles in New Zealand and Asia, including head of capital markets trading at Wardley Ltd, the investment arm of HSBC.
Her governance career has included a diverse range of board roles on Crown and Māori/Iwi commercial organisations and she has held a number of industry and government positions in the financial services sector.
Westpac NZ board chair Pip Greenwood said Birch would bring a fresh perspective to the board along with a wealth of complementary skills and expertise.
“In addition to her financial markets experience, Debbie’s governance roles – including as a director of Tourism Holdings Ltd – align with our commitment to supporting our customers and the communities we operate in,” Greenwood said.
Birch said she was looking forward to helping ensure Westpac delivered on its purpose of helping New Zealanders succeed financially. “Banks are expected to not just contribute positively to a strong and stable financial system, but to deliver products and services that enable Kiwi families, businesses, and communities to grow,” she said.
Birch is of Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga descent. She was deputy Māori trustee and general manager of investments at professional trustee services provider Te Tumu Paeroa from 2012 until 2016.
Last year she won the INFINZ Māori Leadership in Finance Award for her contribution to growing the Māori economy in her governance and advisory roles.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has provided non-objection to the appointment.
Greenwood also thanked Jonathan Mason, who will retire from the board effective June 17, 2024, for his significant contributions over the past nine years.
“Mr Mason has played an important role on the board throughout his tenure, including as Board Audit Committee chair. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours,” Greenwood said.
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