NZ names Sweden’s Anna as central bank governor

WELLINGTON, Sept 24 (Reuters): New Zealand on Wednesday named Swedish national Anna Breman as its new central bank governor, the first woman in the role who joins following a major shakeup at the bank amid criticism over its management of the economy.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis said Breman, currently the First Deputy Governor of Sweden's central bank, the Riksbank, will take up her role at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) on December 1.

"Dr Breman comes to New Zealand with an impressive blend of technical skills and organisational leadership experience," Willis told a press conference in Wellington.

Breman, 49, used her first remarks to praise the New Zealand bank's reputation, following the surprise departure of its previous governor who repeatedly clashed with the government.

"The Reserve Bank is an excellent institution: it's known globally for being the first to develop inflation targeting," she told reporters.

"Staff are dedicated, they are loyal. They know how important the institution is to New Zealand."

Breman was nominated for the role by the RBNZ board following a worldwide search in which 300 potential candidates were identified, Willis said.

RBNZ board deputy chair Rodger Finlay welcomed Breman's appointment.

"Anna's experience spans central

banking, academia and financial markets,"

he said.

"She has strong technical knowledge within monetary policy, financial stability and payments systems after several years at the Executive Board at the Riksbank and an extensive international experience."