The new roles follow the departure of Assistant Governor Money Karen Silk, who will leave the bank in mid-December. Ms Silk’s departure was announced on 16 September 2026.
Governor Anna Breman used the forthcoming vacancy to review the shape of the Executive Leadership Team. The new two new roles are being established to strengthen leadership capacity, clarify accountabilities and support closer coordination across the RBNZ core responsibilities.
“These will be two of the RBNZ’s most senior and visible leadership roles, with responsibility for areas that are fundamental to New Zealand’s economic and financial wellbeing,” Dr Breman says.
“Strong leadership in monetary policy, reserve management, payments and cash is critical to maintaining confidence in our financial system, supporting effective decision-making, and ensuring the RBNZ continues to deliver on its core responsibilities.”
Interest in the roles internally, domestically and internationally is expected. RBNZ has engaged executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles for the recruitment process and appointment of both roles.
A further announcement will be released once the recruitment processes are complete.
The RBNZ Board is expected to recommend the appointee to the Assistant Governor Monetary Policy role to the Minister of Finance for appointment to the Monetary Policy Committee.
In addition, recruitment has begun for a Chief of Staff role. This process will be managed directly by RBNZ.
The Chief of Staff role and the additional Assistant Governor role will be funded out of operational budget allowed for in the current Five-Year Funding Agreement (FYFA) 2025-2030.
More information
- Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Assistant Governor Monetary Policy (PDF, 130KB)
- Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Assistant Governor Payments and Cash (PDF, 123KB)
- Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Chief of Staff
- Reserve Bank announces leadership changes as Assistant Karen Silk prepares to depart
