SSE graduate Anna Breman has been appointed Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, becoming the first woman ever to hold the post. She is also the first foreigner in nearly a century to lead the bank – the last being Englishman Leslie Lefeaux in 1934.

“Dr Breman comes to New Zealand with an impressive blend of technical skills and organisational leadership experience,” says NZ Finance Minister Nicola Willis, pictured in a selfie together with Dr Breman and RBNZ Deputy Chair Rodger Finlay.

”While gender was not a consideration, it certainly makes a difference if young women and girls can see that there is no office that cannot be occupied by a woman,” continues Willis.

Anna Breman holds a PhD in Economics from SSE and currently works at the Swedish Riksbank as First Deputy Governor.

”I’m honored to have been entrusted with the role of Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Economics is both an academic discipline and a practical tool, and it’s by linking the two – research with action – that we can translate theory into practical policies.”

Your old alma mater is extremely proud, Anna. Kia ora!