BNZ appoints Donna Nicolof to head Wealth and Private Banking operations
Following an extensive search, BNZ has appointed Donna Nicolof as head of Wealth and Private Bank. The role leads
functions growing in strategic importance for BNZ, with the bank announcing the launch of the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme earlier this year.
BNZ director Partners, Anthony Healy says that Donna brings the rare blend of extensive industry experience and drive
that the bank was looking for.
“Donna not only has a deep knowledge of wealth and private banking and understanding of the pivotal role they play in
securing our clients’ financial future, but she also brings a history of demonstrable results and a leadership style
that I know will drive this part of the business forward,” he says.
A Wellingtonian by birth, Donna moved to Australia with her family where she attended university and began her career.
She returns to New Zealand with 20 years wealth and financial services experience under her belt, gained in Australia
and further abroad.
Prior to joining BNZ, Donna held the position of Director of Wealth at National Australia Bank’s Institutional Banking
arm where she was responsible for delivering wealth solutions including superannuation, investments, insurance and
private banking services for NAB’s key clients.
Donna is a firm advocate of promoting diversity within organisations, with a particular interest in assisting women to
return to the workplace following maternity leave. While in Australia, she set up a catering business based on an
innovative cooperative model to offer nutricious children’s party fare while supporting women to find both job
satisfaction and work-life balance. Promoted only through word of mouth, the business is thriving.
Mrs Nicolof says she is thrilled to be beginning her role at such a pivitol time for BNZ.
“Less than a month following launch, the BNZ KiwiSaver scheme is already exceeding expectations which signals a real
appetite among BNZ customers for credible, client-friendly vehicles to manage their financial future.
“Current trends such as global economic uncertainty, an aging population, consolidation in financial services and
legislative change necessitate a need to think differently about both the challenges and the opportunities for us and
our customers.”
ENDS