Heartland Group Holdings Limited announced that it intends to appoint Robert (Rob) Bell and Simon Beckett as independent, non-executive directors (subject to Reserve Bank of New Zealand non-objection), with effect from 27 June 2024. Rob is an accomplished banking executive with 20 years' experience in senior leadership roles across the listed environment, a mutual bank and a digital bank. Rob was the founding CEO of digital bank 86 400 and has a deep understanding of technology, digital and growth strategies.

Prior to 86 400, Rob held executive and chief executive roles at Cuscal, Australian Unity Bank and ANZ, including CEO positions at both ANZ Japan and ANZ Fiji. Rob is currently a non-executive director of HFC Bank. With his extensive Australian banking experience, Rob brings to Heartland a strong understanding of the Australian banking market and regulatory environment.

Simon has 30 years of experience in financial services, including in executive leadership positions within multinational corporates. Simon brings deep M&A experience and extensive financial, regulatory, risk and governance expertise, with a career spent in regulated businesses or markets delivering optimal outcomes for shareholders. Simon is currently a non-executive director at ORDE Financial.

Simon's extensive financial services experience extends across multiple functions and countries including in the US, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, including at Wells Fargo and GE Capital. He has also had particular experience working in motor finance businesses during his executive career at GE Capital, Wells Fargo and Cerberus Capital. The appointment of Rob and Simon will provide Heartland with two additional independent directors, further contributing to the depth of expertise and skill of the Board and strengthening the Board's Australian expertise.