Rapid Ratings’ Senior Executive Appointment
Brisbane-based Rapid Ratings Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Collection House Limited, has appointed Ron Keene as its Director,
New Zealand Corporate Ratings.
Ron Keene will head up the corporate ratings division of Rapid Ratings which rates non-bank finance companies and listed
companies in New Zealand. Dr. Patrick Caragata, the company’s founder and managing director said that “his appointment
will add further breadth and depth of experience in a market where Rapid Ratings expects strong growth in the coming
years.”
Rapid Ratings has already been successful in entering and rating the Non-Bank Finance Company market, and provides a
portfolio rating service, using its proprietary software to banks, institutional investors, and large creditors in New
Zealand, Australia and Germany.
The company has recently expanded its offering of qualitative services which includes credit rating programs for both
unlisted and New Zealand listed companies.
Ron Keene has extensive experience and involvement in the strategic planning process, business reorganisation and change
management within the banking industry and other industries.
His banking, finance and insurance experience in New Zealand and overseas is extensive. He has experience in retail
banking at all levels, commercial banking, corporate and merchant banking in New Zealand as well as experience in
Finance Company and Building Society operations. These include positions as Chief Executive of General Finance Limited;
General Manager – Banking, National Mutual; Chief Executive, Southland Building and Investment Society. His overseas
experience with the Lloyds Bank group gives him experience in international banking, loans syndication and foreign
exchange operations.
Recently Ron has been involved in many large business and IT projects which had a strong focus on control of risk.
Dr. Caragata, said “the company is very fortunate and pleased to appoint someone of Ron Keene’s calibre. Ron has hands
on management experience that will be beneficial to both Rapid Ratings and its clients.”
Ron Keene stated: “I am looking forward to the considerable opportunities that will arise in this new role and I can see
the many benefits to prospective clients in obtaining a credit rating and to the country in general. It is a cornerstone
for improving the quality of company performance and management in New Zealand.” In addition Ron expects that the
qualitative credit rating program should add value to clients in identifying and managing all types of business risk.
With respect to Rapid Ratings’ core business of software-based ratings using only company financials, Ron noted that
“such extensive credit rating services have not been previously available across all sizes of companies in New Zealand
before.”