Sam Knowles

Sam Knowles was appointed a Director of Westpac New Zealand Limited in September 2021. He is also Chair of the Board People and Remuneration Committee and a member of the Board Technology Committee.

Sam brings wide experience in financial services and governance. His extensive career in financial services included 10 years as the founding CEO of Kiwibank, leading it from idea to success. This role followed 15 years of senior executive positions in banks in Australia and New Zealand leading strategy, marketing and product management and retail financial services.

Sam has spent the last decade in independent governance roles supporting young and ambitious growth companies. Examples include PartnersLife in insurance, Xero in accounting and Synlait in the dairy industry. Sam is also a director of investment company Rangatira, as well as several young growth companies that deliver sector innovation through digital strategy.