BNZ appoints New Zealander Dan Huggins as chief executive

Wednesday, 25 August 2021

Dan Huggins will take over as chief executive of Bank of New Zealand in October.

BNZ's current chief executive Angela Mentis is moving to become the group chief digital, data and analytics officer at BNZ’s Australian parent National Australia Bank (NAB).

Huggins is BNZ’s executive for customer, products and services, and will take over as chief executive at BNZ on October 1.

Mentis has been chief executive at BNZ for nearly four years.

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BNZ chairman Doug McKay said Huggins had deep experience in banking, and had played a key role in developing the bank's strategy.

Angela Mentis is stepping down at the end of September after nearly four years as chief executive of BNZ.

McKay also stressed Huggins Kiwi credentials.

“Dan is a Kiwi and knows the New Zealand market well,” McKay said.

“I am particularly pleased we are making an internal appointment and he brings an international perspective that is important as we continue to build a world-class bank. The BNZ Board and I look forward to working with him as CEO,” McKay said.

McKay praised Mentis.

“Angie has been a tremendous leader for BNZ. She has built an exceptionally talented executive team and the board and I have enjoyed working with her,” he said.

“Angie has brought a real focus on delivering for customers and helped spearhead BNZ’s investment in digital services and tools. She has led BNZ during a time of significant change and leaves a lasting legacy of high performance and customer focus for which she can be incredibly proud.”

NAB group chief executive is New Zealander Ross McEwan.

He said: “I’m very pleased that the BNZ Board has appointed Dan Huggins as managing director and chief executive officer of BNZ and to NAB’s executive leadership team.”

Banks have been closing branches as customers increasing do their banking remotely on their phones and laptops.

McEwan said Mentis had led the digitisation of BNZ with “outstanding results”.

“Angie’s clear understanding of what customers and bankers need, coupled with her extensive knowledge of how a bank and its technology works, make her the ideal person to lead the acceleration of our digital and data agenda,” he said.