Rapid Ratings’ Senior Executive Appointment

Rapid Ratings’ Senior Executive Appointment

Brisbane-based Rapid Ratings Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Collection House Limited, has appointed Ron Keene as its Director, New Zealand Corporate Ratings.

Ron Keene will head up the corporate ratings division of Rapid Ratings which rates non-bank finance companies and listed companies in New Zealand. Dr. Patrick Caragata, the company’s founder and managing director said that “his appointment will add further breadth and depth of experience in a market where Rapid Ratings expects strong growth in the coming years.”

Rapid Ratings has already been successful in entering and rating the Non-Bank Finance Company market, and provides a portfolio rating service, using its proprietary software to banks, institutional investors, and large creditors in New Zealand, Australia and Germany.

The company has recently expanded its offering of qualitative services which includes credit rating programs for both unlisted and New Zealand listed companies.

Ron Keene has extensive experience and involvement in the strategic planning process, business reorganisation and change management within the banking industry and other industries.

His banking, finance and insurance experience in New Zealand and overseas is extensive. He has experience in retail banking at all levels, commercial banking, corporate and merchant banking in New Zealand as well as experience in Finance Company and Building Society operations. These include positions as Chief Executive of General Finance Limited; General Manager – Banking, National Mutual; Chief Executive, Southland Building and Investment Society. His overseas experience with the Lloyds Bank group gives him experience in international banking, loans syndication and foreign exchange operations.

Recently Ron has been involved in many large business and IT projects which had a strong focus on control of risk.

Dr. Caragata, said “the company is very fortunate and pleased to appoint someone of Ron Keene’s calibre. Ron has hands on management experience that will be beneficial to both Rapid Ratings and its clients.”

Ron Keene stated: “I am looking forward to the considerable opportunities that will arise in this new role and I can see the many benefits to prospective clients in obtaining a credit rating and to the country in general. It is a cornerstone for improving the quality of company performance and management in New Zealand.” In addition Ron expects that the qualitative credit rating program should add value to clients in identifying and managing all types of business risk. With respect to Rapid Ratings’ core business of software-based ratings using only company financials, Ron noted that “such extensive credit rating services have not been previously available across all sizes of companies in New Zealand before.”

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