Steve Jurkovich appointed Kiwibank CEO

Thursday 26 April 2018

Steve Jurkovich appointed Kiwibank CEO

Kiwibank Board Chair Dr Susan Macken today announced the appointment of Steve Jurkovich to the role of Kiwibank Chief Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Kiwi Group Holdings.

Dr Macken said she is delighted Mr Jurkovich has accepted the role.

“Our recruitment process was a global one, focused on finding someone with the experience, skills and capability to lead Kiwibank in a highly regulated, increasingly digital and fast-changing world.

“Steve will be instrumental in ensuring Kiwibank is a sustainable and competitive bank that continues to meet the needs the customers who are the company’s lifeblood, and whose clear preference for digital interaction with us is guiding the changes we are making.

“Our new CEO has extensive experience right across the banking industry, and what most impressed me is his focus on customers. He has demonstrated a deep understanding of the future of banking and a passion for doing what’s right for customers,” said Dr Macken.

Steve Jurkovich says Kiwibank and Kiwi Group Holdings have a special role to play in helping Kiwis make better financial decisions.

“New Zealand is an increasingly diverse country with big ambitions, and I want to work for a bank that respects and reflects that. 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.

“If we look at the revelations from Australia’s royal commission into financial services, we see a disappointingly low public perception of financial services there. But on this side of the Tasman New Zealanders should be pleased we have a higher level of scrutiny on our banking practices, and arguably a healthier industry culture too.

“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.”

Mr Jurkovich recently left ASB where he was executive general manager of business banking for just over a year. In the six years prior to this, Mr Jurkovich held the executive general manager role for ASB’s corporate, commercial and rural banking.

Born in New Zealand and raised between Paeroa and Auckland’s North Shore, Mr Jurkovich graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor of Law, and completed his MBA at the University of Sydney. He is married, with two daughters.

Dr Macken also thanked Mark Stephen for the role he has played in the last few months as Kiwibank’s acting CEO.

“Mark Stephen has done a fantastic job. He’s not just held the fort but has provided strong leadership that’s helped our business keep up the pace required to deliver on our customer-led strategy.”

Mr Jurkovich will take up his new role on 30 July, working from Kiwibank’s Wellington head office.

ENDS

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