Russell McVeagh has appointed Jo Avenell as its CEO, effective from 23 October.

Jo Avenell. 

She has a background in financial services, professional services, and postal and logistic services.

Jo was most recently on the Executive Team at New Zealand Post where she led the organisational and cultural transformation programmes.

Russell McVeagh Chair Malcolm Crotty says it is a critically important appointment for the firm as it continues its journey to building a safe, inclusive and people-focused culture that will underpin its future success.

"We have acknowledged that we must lead behavioural and cultural change across our firm and we’re confident in Jo's abilities to lead and support us in achieving this," he says. 

"The Board and partners are well into implementing all of the recommendations following Dame Margaret Bazley's review of the firm released in July. We have charged ourselves with building a culture and a firm that reflects the values and aspirations of our people and clients.

"Jo is a strong and accomplished executive who is hugely respected, and who will inspire confidence, help overcome obstacles, and lead by example. Russell McVeagh will benefit from Jo's proven track-record delivering significant cultural change across large organisations."