The first Speaker and Networking event of 2023 took place on Thursday 9th of March at KPMG Auckland with Leanne Lazarus.

Leanne Lazarus is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of global experience in the financial services industry. She has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a track record of driving transformational change and building high performing teams in the communities they serve. 

Born and raised in South Africa, Leanne established a successful career in the banking sector before relocating to New Zealand in 1998.

Currently serving as CEO of Heartland Bank NZ, Leanne previously held the role of CEO and Executive Director of Westpac Life, Westpac New Zealand’s insurance entity, in addition to senior executive roles in various regions across Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

The fireside chat was moderated by Multiethnic Young Leaders Member Hana Malak. Hana is a Justice of the Peace Officer and a student currently completing her Masters degree at AUT. Hana also serves as the Senior Lead Engagement Officer at the Lebanese Honorary Consulate.

At the fireside chat, Leanne spoke passionately about the importance of confidence in oneself and being grounded in one’s values. She also encouraged the audience to share whatever knowledge they have with others and to help others as a way of giving back.

The 2023 Speaker and Networking series is brought to you by Multiethnic Young Leaders NZ and made possible through the generous support of KPMG New Zealand. The Series aims to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of ethnically diverse leaders in Aotearoa, normalise and increase the visibility of leaders from underrepresented communities in positions of influence, further the discourse on diversity, equity and inclusion in leadership and the workplace, and foster a more socially cohesive Aotearoa.