Bank of Baroda (New Zealand) Limited

A distinctive opportunity for a highly regarded governance leader to chair a New Zealand registered bank as it enters an ambitious new phase of growth, innovation and stronger community engagement.

Bank of Baroda (New Zealand) Limited (BOBNZL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, one of India’s largest banking groups, with an international presence across approximately 15 countries. Operating in New Zealand since 2010, BOBNZL provides retail and business banking services, with branches in Auckland and Wellington supported by digital banking channels.

The Bank has a longstanding connection with New Zealand’s Indian community and plays an important role in supporting customers, businesses and commercial connections between New Zealand and India.

With renewed investment and commitment from its parent bank, BOBNZL is embarking on an ambitious five-year growth strategy. Its focus is on growing its presence in New Zealand, strengthening customer and community relationships, expanding its business and SME offering, and investing in digital capability, innovation and new opportunities.

The opportunity

BOBNZL is seeking an Auckland-based Independent Chair to provide leadership to the Board and help position the Bank for its next phase of growth.

This is an opportunity for an experienced governance professional who combines strong commercial and financial judgement with leadership presence, strategic thinking and an ability to build trusted relationships.

The Chair will lead a Board comprising independent directors, parent-nominated directors and the Managing Director, supporting robust decision-making while maintaining a constructive and effective relationship between the Board and management.

Importantly, the Chair will also be an ambassador for BOBNZL. They will be highly regarded and well connected within New Zealand’s Indian diaspora, with the standing, credibility and relationships to strengthen the Bank’s profile and connections across Auckland’s Indian business and wider community.

The Chair will work closely with the Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Baroda’s Head Office in India and key stakeholders, including the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

About you

We are looking for an accomplished governance leader who brings:

• Strong governance credentials, ideally including previous experience as a Chair, Deputy Chair or senior independent director
• A strong financial or commercial background, with the confidence to understand, interrogate and constructively challenge financial performance, risk and investment decisions
• High standing and credibility within New Zealand’s Indian diaspora, particularly within Auckland, supported by strong community, professional and business networks
• The ability to build trusted relationships across different communities, cultures and stakeholder groups
• A growth and innovation mindset, with experience helping organisations identify new opportunities, evolve their offering and respond to changing customer expectations
• Experience governing an organisation through growth, transformation, expansion or significant change

While previous banking experience would be an advantage, it is not essential. Experience in financial services, investment, accounting, finance, professional services or another financially sophisticated environment would be valuable.

Experience working with an overseas parent organisation, particularly within an Indian or wider Asian context, would also be advantageous. An understanding of the commercial, cultural and community connections between India and New Zealand would be highly valued.

Commitment and location

The appointment is for an initial three-year term.

The Board ordinarily holds four scheduled meetings each year, with additional meetings convened as required. The Chair will also contribute to the Board’s Audit, Risk Management and Credit Committees.

The role extends beyond scheduled Board meetings. The Chair will need to be accessible to the Managing Director between meetings, providing governance support, perspective and counsel as required.

As an important representative of the Bank, the Chair will also be expected to attend selected Indian community, business and stakeholder events, particularly in Auckland, helping to strengthen BOBNZL’s profile, relationships and engagement within the communities it serves.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter outlining the governance, financial, community and leadership experience you would bring to the role.

To submit your application, click on the “Apply Now” button below. The IoD is managing applicant interest so please contact Manager, Board Appointments, michelle.pearson@iod.org.nz  for application support or more information.

Applications close : 20 September 2026

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