Global bank appoints new NZ CEO

HSBC announced today the appointment of Chris Russell as chief executive officer, New Zealand, effective 1 January 2016. 

Russell has been working for HSBC since 2005 and joins its New Zealand business from HSBC in Australia where he was head of banking, prior to which he was director, Multinationals, Australia. Before joining HSBC, Russell held a variety of roles, principally in corporate banking, with both National Australia Bank (NAB) and Barclays Bank Australia, including as head of the Food, Beverages and Agribusiness Sector at NAB. 

Russell will report to Jayant Rikhye, group general manager, head of International Asia Pacific and head of Strategy and Planning, Asia Pacific. 

Commenting on the appointment, Jayant Rikhye said: “HSBC has been operating in New Zealand since 1987 and Chris’ appointment underlines our ongoing commitment to the country as an important market in the bank’s extensive international network. Chris’ wealth of banking experience will ensure HSBC continues building its business in New Zealand by connecting our internationally-focused client base to opportunities abroad, and supporting their global and local banking requirements.” 

Russell takes over from Noel McNamara, the bank’s chief executive officer in New Zealand since 2011, who will take up the role of chief risk officer of HSBC in Australia.