BNP Paribas Securities Services has appointed Jennifer Bertie as Head of its New Zealand Branch, based in Wellington. She will start work on 1 October 2004, reporting to Gail Burke, Head of BNP Paribas Securities Services for Australia and New Zealand.
Bertie joins BNP Paribas Securities Services from AXA (New Zealand) where she was responsible for Investment Operations for the past three and a half years. Previously, she held senior Investment Operations and Systems management roles in major financial services companies, including Royal and Sun Alliance Asset Management, State Street (New Zealand) and National Provident Fund.
Bertie says her decision to join BNP Paribas Securities Services was based on the strength of the business in New Zealand and in Australia and the commitment of Senior Management to New Zealand. “BNP Paribas Securities Services is uniquely positioned to service the New Zealand market, being the only global provider to have local operations,” she says. “This business model enables us to cater to the specific needs of the local market but at the same time gives us access to regional and global infrastructure to promote efficiencies and consistency of approach.”
Commenting on the appointment, Gail Burke added that “Jennifer’s expertise and experience make her the ideal person to lead BNP Paribas Securities Services’ future development and to implement BNP Paribas Securities Services’ strategy in New Zealand. Jennifer’s local knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand industry and clients’ needs will add great value to our growing New Zealand operations.”
Nicolas Faust, the current Head of BNP Paribas Securities Services in New Zealand will continue to be responsible for the New Zealand Branch until Bertie starts in October. Faust was seconded from Europe to assist with the integration of the Australasian businesses when BNP Paribas acquired Cogent from AMP in September 2002.