Simplicity announces new board members

Simplicity, NZ’s fastest growing KiwiSaver scheme, today announced the appointment of two new independent directors, and a future director, to support its growth.

“We want to keep focused on our growth strategy and giving New Zealanders more financial dignity. We are growing fast, and the experience and skill of our strong Board reflect the future of Simplicity,” said Joy Marslin, Chair of Simplicity.

“We are fortunate to have Mel Hewitson and Anna Tierney join our Board. They bring regulatory experience as well as governance, finance and accounting skills to ensure all our stakeholders are well served as we continue to challenge the status quo. It is a privilege to have someone with Alexia’s passion and drive join us as a promising future Director.”

“While we didn’t set out to appoint only women, we are incredibly proud of the depth of talent that was available and it is clear that there should be no barrier to diversity in New Zealand.

“The board of Simplicity is now over 50% women, and reflects our desire that all the companies we are shareholders in, achieve diversity in their management and governance”.

Simplicity’s new Directors are;

Mel Hewitson.

A professional director with board memberships of Heritage Trustee Company, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Maia, Foundation North, Centre for Social Impact and Auckland Foundation. She also Chairs the Nominating Committees for the Guardians of New Zealand Super Fund and Waikato-Tainui Group Investment Committee.

Mel brings relevant skills and alignment with Simplicity’s commitment to investors' interests, developed from her former leadership roles at the Financial Markets Authority and investment management firms with strong fiduciary cultures.

She is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary and has degrees in Business (Masters), Economics and Japanese.

Anna Tierney.

A Chartered Accountant for twenty years in both the public and private sectors. She has a strong history in specialising in the areas of Fraud and Risk through her experience as a forensic accountant at the Serious Fraud Office and Ernst & Young.

Anna has also held an appointment with the Real Estate Agents Authority (REAA) as an original Member of the Complaints Assessment Committee, and has worked in London for Schroders and Morgan Stanley.

Alexia Hilbertidou

The founder and CEO of GirlBoss NZ, a network of 10,500 ambitious young women.

Alexia, 20, was named the most influential New Zealand woman under 25 at the Westpac Women of Influence Awards and has also received a Queen's Young Leader Award for services to the Commonwealth from Her Majesty The Queen. She is the youngest Commonwealth citizen to hold this honour.

Dedicated to raising the social and economic progress of New Zealanders.

Alexia is appointed as part of the IOD Future Directors programme, which allows a member to fully participate in Board activities, without voting rights.

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