New Kiwibank Chief Economist will pack a punch

Kiwibank’s newly appointed Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr has a passion for the environment, financial literacy, and wears a black belt in karate.

Although Kerr was born and schooled in New Zealand, he cut his teeth in US, Swiss, and Australian banks and has spent his entire career overseas.

“I’ve got international perspective, but I’m also entirely familiar with the Kiwi market. When I first started as an economist at JP Morgan my role was to cover Australia and they threw in New Zealand as a training ground. Over time New Zealand became my speciality.”

Kiwibank Acting CEO Mark Stephen said the bank was excited to have Jarrod on board and was looking forward to channelling his enthusiasm for the good of customers.

Kerr promises gutsy calls as well as commentary and perspective presented in a way that people can understand.

“Kiwibank’s team of economists can add great value. I want to see money talked about in a way that is interesting and relatable. We need to give our customers what they want to read, make it more entertaining, and digestible. I want to rip out the jargon.”

Financial literacy and encouraging Kiwis to save more is high on his priority list, as is social responsibility and the environment.

“I consider myself ‘green at heart’; a great fit for a green bank.”

Kerr is an avid hiker and has a black belt in Chidokan karate.

Kerr takes over the Chief Economist role from Zoe Wallis who has moved within the business to Head of Transactions and Payments for Kiwibank.

ENDS

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