The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has appointed Paul Conway (pictured) as chief economist and director of economics, effective May 2.
Conway succeeds Yuong Ha, who will leave his role later this month after 25 years with RBNZ.
Conway is currently chief economist at Bank of New Zealand and, prior to that, was economics and research director at the Productivity Commission. He also worked as economist for the OECD and consultant for the World Bank.
“I’m delighted to have Paul join the Reserve Bank,” said RBNZ governor Adrian Orr. “He brings a wealth of leadership and experience to the economics team. He has a deep knowledge of the New Zealand economy and has international experience through his time as an economist with the OECD. He has a great mix of skills, including a background in research, which will be a key part of his leadership role at the Reserve Bank.”
RBNZ’s chief economist/director of economics is also a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
RBNZ has also appointed manager of central banking Analytics Adam Richardson as an internal MPC member for a six-month term, which began on March 11. He will act as chief economist/director of economics after Ha’s departure and until Conway’s arrival.
“It is exciting to have a full team in place with plenty of mahi to do in the year ahead,” Orr said.
