The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, the manager of the $60b NZ Super Fund, has appointed trans-Tasman executive search and recruitment firm Johnson Partners to help the Board identify a replacement for current CEO Matt Whineray, who had earlier announced his resignation from the role, effective at the end of this year. 

Johnson Partners’ work for the Guardians will be led by the firm’s NZ Managing Partner Simon Monks, along with company founder and CEO Jason Johnson. 

Guardians Board Chair Catherine Drayton said Johnson Partners’ strong track record in Australia and New Zealand, its global connections, and the emphasis it placed on cultural fit as an appointment criterion made it an ideal partner for the Board. 

“Appointing the CEO is one of the most important jobs a Board has,” said Ms Drayton. 

“I am confident Johnson Partners will help us to make the right choice from what we expect to be a very strong field of possible candidates.”