Leanne Lazarus, appointed Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Bank on August 1, 2022, brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision that is pivotal for the bank's growth trajectory. With a robust background in the financial services sector, Leanne previously served as the Chief...
Leanne Lazarus, appointed Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Bank on August 1, 2022, brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision that is pivotal for the bank's growth trajectory. With a robust background in the financial services sector, Leanne previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Westpac Life NZ Ltd, where she played a crucial role in driving customer-centric initiatives and enhancing operational efficiency. Her tenure at Westpac also saw her as a key member of the Executive team, where she was instrumental in shaping the bank's insurance strategy and fostering a culture of innovation.
At Heartland Bank, Leanne is accountable for not only setting the strategic direction but also cultivating a strong cultural framework that aligns with the bank's core values, or matapono. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to corporate governance and employee engagement, ensuring that the bank's executives are empowered to achieve ambitious performance goals. Leanne's expertise in global operations and process re-engineering positions Heartland Bank to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Under her guidance, key projects have emerged focusing on enhancing customer experience through advanced IT systems and technology, as well as optimizing procurement processes to drive efficiency. Leanne's adept relationship management skills further bolster Heartland Bank's reputation as a trusted financial partner. As she continues to lead the bank towards its aspirations, her vision and leadership are set to redefine the future of Heartland Bank in the competitive financial services industry.
