Bank’s chief retiring

Heartland Group Holdings Ltd has announced Jeff Greenslade, chief executive officer, will be stepping down from his role at the end of 2024 after 15 years with the company.

Greenslade, pictured, first joined as chief executive officer of Heartland’s predecessor, Marac Finance, in 2009.

He was appointed managing director of Heartland Building Society following its formation in 2011 through the merger of Canterbury Building Society, Marac Finance, Southern Cross Building Society and PGG Wrightson Finance.

Milestones during his time in charge include Heartland’s Reserve Bank of New Zealand banking registration in 2012, and its listings on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and the Australian Securities Exchange in 2011 and 2018 respectively.

As the company developed, Greenslade was appointed chief executive officer of Heartland Bank Ltd in 2014 and following a corporate restructure four years later took on the same position at the newly formed Heartland Group.

Greg Tomlinson, chairman, says that as one of Heartland’s founders, Greenslade’s contribution to the business and its shareholders has been outstanding. 

“This is evident in the substantial growth Heartland has achieved in just over 10 years since its formation,” adds Tomlinson.

“Importantly, for our people, Jeff has been a real advocate and champion for Heartland’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

Greenslade also intends to resign from his Heartland board appointments at the end of the calendar year. 

His previous roles have included senior positions with the ANZ National Bank, the National Bank of New Zealand and its subsidiary, Southpac, and time on the board at UDC Finance.

News of Greenslade’s approaching retirement came on the same day Heartland announced it had received indicative regulatory approvals on both sides of the Tasman for the acquisition of Challenger Bank in Australia. 

Subject to receipt of final regulatory approvals, Heartland expects to complete the purchase on April 30.