Our team

He came to the role with extensive experience in senior executive roles through a career spanning more than three decades in industries as diverse as finance, energy, and consultancy services.

Prior to joining Payments NZ in January 2014, Steve served as General Manager Marketing, Sales and Customer Services with funds management company Gareth Morgan Investments. From GM and other leadership roles to founding and running a number of businesses, Steve is experienced in all aspects of business management, marketing and sales, and technology development and transfer. He has also had direct senior management experience in a leading payments business responsible for the processing of $3b worth of value per year. Steve holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (BCA) from Victoria University of Wellington.

She is the senior leader heading up a diverse portfolio across both the Strategy and Corporate Affairs business units. Her responsibilities include chairing and facilitating industry collaborations through the long-term payments system strategy initiative Payments Direction and strategic industry forums. Jane also has executive responsibility for the Payments NZ API Centre. 

A firm believer in workplace diversity, Jane is the founder of ‘The Link – connecting women in payments’ network. This Payments NZ initiative empowers women working in payments by giving them a platform to connect, share experiences and discuss challenges. 

Prior to joining Payments NZ in 2012, Jane had an extensive career in the public sector where she held several leadership roles. She has widespread governance and business management experience. Jane is currently the Chair of the Board of Trustees at Browns Bay School, is a member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand, and a Director of Comprehensive Care Limited – a primary health organisation. She holds a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) from Massey University of New Zealand.

He has experience across the payments spectrum from strategy through to operations and risk management, including the management of debit and prepaid card portfolios, as well as New Zealand’s largest ‘Over the Counter’ bill payment service. This broad senior management experience combined with a focus on delivering the best possible payment experience has made Jamie a real advocate for the industry.

He has a broad range of project management experience having worked on a number of complex process and organisation change initiatives in both a delivery and advisory capacity. Prior to joining Payments NZ Chad worked as a senior advisor and project manager in a large government organisation. Chad has a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) from the University of Otago.

Phil has a financial services background spending 15 years in the UK working on mergers and acquisitions and also setting up target operating models within large global banks.

Phil led a team which designed and implemented the UK Open Banking Implementation Entity target operating model and later held the role of head of operations.

Since being admitted to the bar in 1989, Sarah has worked as a lawyer in both the public and private sectors. Sarah has a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Victoria University of Wellington.

She works closely with the leadership team to enhance Payments NZ’s reputation and industry leadership, ensuring alignment with the company’s core vision and goals. Vanessa leads the development of the Payments NZ brand, oversees corporate communications across all platforms, and is the executive sponsor of the Payments NZ The Point Conference and Gala Dinner.

With over 20 years of experience working alongside leading entrepreneurs, global thought leaders, and organisations, Vanessa has a strong track record of accelerating purposeful work, innovation, and brand impact. In addition to her role at Payments NZ, Vanessa serves on the advisory board for Wych Money (an ANZ open banking startup), is a Member of the Board of Trustees for The New Zealand Dance Company, and acts as a growth advisor for Creative Caring Australia. She is also a mentor for The Founders Institute and UTS Rapid Value Creation.

Her expertise extends to the fintech industry, where she is the founder of FinTech Australia's Intersekt FinTech Festival and the Finnie Awards. Through this work, Vanessa was recognised as one of the Top 100 Global Women in Fintech. She continues to contribute as a judge for The Finnie Awards and Pause Awards, celebrating excellence in the finance and tech sectors.

Vanessa began her career in the performing arts as a dancer, singer, pianist, and songwriter, and she brings the creativity, collaboration, and storytelling skills from her artistic background to her leadership roles today. She is also completing her studies in gender equity as part of a psychology degree, with a focus on implementing actionable solutions for a more inclusive future.

He oversees Payments NZ’s IT strategy, managing data and business intelligence functions, and ensuring robust security and project management practices.