Prime Highlight
- Dr Anna Breman has been appointed as the new Governor of New Zealand’s Reserve Bank, becoming the first woman to hold the role.
- Breman brings extensive international experience, including roles at Sweden’s Riksbank, Swedbank, the Swedish Ministry of Finance, and the World Bank.
Key Facts
- Breman will assume office on December 1and will succeed Christian Hawkesby, who has led the bank since April.
- She holds a PhD in economics from the Stockholm School of Economicsand has expertise in monetary policy, financial stability, and payment systems.
Background
New Zealand has appointed Dr Anna Breman as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank, making her the first woman to hold the role. Breman, currently Deputy Governor at Sweden’s central bank, the Riksbank, will assume her duties on December 1.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the appointment, saying, “Dr Breman comes to New Zealand with an impressive blend of technical skills and organisational leadership experience.” Breman was selected following a global search that considered 300 candidates.
Breman holds a PhD in economics from the Stockholm School of Economics. She has previously served as group chief economist at Swedbank, worked at the Swedish Ministry of Finance, and held positions at the World Bank and U.S. academic institutions. Her career spans central banking, financial markets, and policy advisory roles.
The Reserve Bank board highlighted Breman’s expertise in monetary policy, financial stability, and payment systems. Board deputy chair Rodger Finlay said, “She has strong technical knowledge and extensive international experience that will benefit New Zealand.”
Breman will replace current RBNZ Governor Christian Hawkesby, who has been leading the bank since April, following the resignation of Adrian Orr. Hawkesby will support Breman during the transition before leaving the Reserve Bank.
Breman said she felt “deeply honoured” to be appointed and praised the warmth she experienced in New Zealand. She said the bank will continue to focus on its core mandate of price stability, prudential supervision, and maintaining a safe and efficient payment system.
Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds welcomed the appointment, noting the challenges ahead for the country’s financial system and expressing confidence in Breman’s leadership. Breman will relocate to New Zealand with her family.
