Heartland Group has announced the appointment of Andrew Dixson as its new chief executive, replacing Jeff Greenslade earlier than expected. Dixson, who currently serves as the group chief financial officer, has been with Heartland since 2010 and has been involved in key milestones such as the company’s merger in 2011 and its listing on the NZX and ASX.
The decision to appoint Dixson sooner than planned will allow for a smooth transition, enabling Greenslade to retire by the end of September. Dixson will officially take over as CEO on October 1 and will also be appointed as a non-independent non-executive director of Heartland Bank Limited.
According to Heartland chairman Greg Tomlinson, Dixson’s appointment signifies the company’s growth and evolution, particularly after the acquisition of Challenger Bank. Tomlinson expressed confidence in Dixson’s leadership abilities, highlighting his strategic financial expertise and successful track record in capital allocation.
As the new CEO, Dixson will focus on driving the group’s strategy, managing investor relations, overseeing corporate finance, allocating capital effectively, and ensuring sound risk management practices across both banks under the Heartland umbrella. The role of group chief financial officer will not be filled, indicating a shift in responsibilities within the organization.
With the changes in leadership, the deputy group CEO role will be eliminated, and Chris Flood will be parting ways with Heartland at the end of October. These organizational adjustments reflect Heartland’s commitment to optimizing its operations and enhancing returns for its stakeholders.
Overall, the appointment of Andrew Dixson as CEO marks a significant milestone for Heartland Group as it embarks on a new phase of growth and strategic direction. His extensive experience within the company and his proven expertise in financial management position him well to lead Heartland towards continued success in the future.