Media statement

Karacaoglu to join the Treasury

The Treasury today announced the appointment of Dr Girol Karacaoglu to the role of Deputy Secretary - Macroeconomics, International and Economic Research.

Dr Karacaoglu will provide strategic leadership on broad economic policy issues, in particular fiscal and monetary policy settings, and New Zealand's international linkages, Chief Executive Gabriel Makhlouf said.

"He will also take on the position of Chief Economist - a role that is critical to championing and lifting the quality and capability of our economic advice - and work with the rest of my Executive Leadership Team to ensure that the Treasury continues to effectively deliver its outcomes."

Dr Karacaoglu is currently Chief Executive of The Co-operative Bank. He said he considered it a privilege to be given the opportunity to help achieve the Treasury's vision of improving the living standards of New Zealanders.

"There is a huge opportunity in this country to promote equitable and sustainable economic growth through appropriate economic policies."

Dr Karacaoglu's previous roles include General Manager at Westpac NZ, Chief Economist at the National Bank of NZ, senior research adviser at the Reserve Bank of NZ, and lecturer in economics at Victoria University of Wellington.

He will join the Treasury on 1 March.

View the Treasury's organisation structure

Media contact:

Serene Ambler | Senior Communications Advisor
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