NZX has appointed financial services executive Hishaam Mirza as its new chief executive.
Mirza will take over from acting chief executive Graham Law on 14 September. The appointment comes after former CEO Mark Peterson stepped down in May following several years at the helm.
This leadership movement followed a global search for a leader to drive growth at New Zealand's capital markets operator.
Mirza brings investment experience
NZX chair John McMahon said, "Hishaam is a proven strategic leader and recently finished a 14-year tenure at NZ Super, culminating in heading Direct Investments and managing a team of high-performing investment professionals.”
He added, "The Board is delighted with Hishaam's appointment, and we look forward to working with him in delivering NZX's growth strategy to elevate the performance of NZX and New Zealand's capital markets."
Mirza has held senior roles across financial services, investments and corporate development in New Zealand and overseas.
His career includes experience with IBM, BP, Lazard, EDF Energy and NZ Super.
Focus on scale and market growth
Mirza said, “It is a privilege to lead NZX and an opportunity to contribute to an institution that plays a critical role in New Zealand’s capital markets infrastructure.
"NZX is a highly trusted and well run market at the heart of New Zealand’s economy. The opportunity now is to build greater scale, liquidity and global relevance," Mirza further commented.
The appointment comes as NZX continues to face the challenge of expanding the number of companies listed on its market, which has struggled to achieve sustained growth over the past decade.
Supporting businesses and investors
"As Chief Executive, I’m looking forward to ensuring the exchange – and the Smart and NZX Wealth Technologies businesses – remain strong partners for businesses, investors and government; helping New Zealand businesses grow, innovate and compete internationally, while supporting more New Zealanders to build long-term wealth,” Mirza noted.
He will also oversee NZX's Smart and NZX Wealth Technologies businesses as part of his new role.
"The Board sincerely thanks Graham for his steady hand in leading the business since the beginning of May," McMahon said.
Graham Law will remain as acting chief executive until Mirza formally takes over next month.