Geoff Bascand has been appointed Deputy Governor and Head of Operations of the Reserve Bank, Governor Graeme Wheeler announced today.
Mr Wheeler said Mr Bascand's appointment has been approved by the Reserve Bank Board, and will take effect on 27 May 2013. He replaces Dr Don Abel, Assistant Governor and Head of Operations, who retires this week after providing outstanding service over an eight-year period.
Mr Bascand is currently the Government Statistician and Chief Executive, Statistics New Zealand. He will join Grant Spencer, the Bank's Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Financial Stability, as one of two Deputy Governors that can be appointed under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act.
"Mr Bascand is a very accomplished leader and manager. In his time at Statistics NZ, he has strengthened the official statistics system, improved organisational performance, enhanced relations and governance mechanisms, and led significant cultural change and leadership development," Mr Wheeler said.
Mr Bascand has previously worked in senior management roles in the Department of Labour and the New Zealand Treasury, and was a senior economist at the International Monetary Fund.
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