Heartland mourns Ricketts

Staff at Heartland Group are mourning the loss of former chairman and director Geoffrey Ricketts who has passed away following a sudden illness. 

The company says Ricketts, pictured, made an “outstanding contribution and commitment” to Heartland as it announced his death in a statement to the NZX on Monday, March 13.

He was a founding director of Heartland’s board, having served as chairman of Southern Cross Building Society before it merged to become Heartland New Zealand Limited in 2011. 

Jeff Greenslade, Heartland’s chief executive officer, adds Ricketts was appointed chairman in August 2013 and stood down from the role last month because of ill health but remained a director. 

“In his time as chair, Heartland New Zealand evolved to become the Heartland it is today, now a trans-Tasman, dual-listed financial services company providing banking and financial services to more than 130,000 customers, with a market cap in excess of $1 billion,” he says. 

“Geoff’s strategic leadership, governance experience and wise advice to the board and management will be sorely missed.”

In 2008, Ricketts was named the Deloitte/New Zealand Management Magazine Chairperson of the Year, and in 2013 he received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education, the arts and business. 

He was named a distinguished fellow of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand in 2022. 

“As a strong supporter of community and philanthropic activities, Geoff also chaired the Heartland Trust, Heartland’s registered charitable trust,” adds Greenslade. 

“The board, management and team at Heartland extend their deepest sympathies to Geoff’s family at this very difficult time.”