NZX Leadership Gap: Search for Permanent CEO Extends to 10 Months

NZX appoints Graham Law as acting CEO as the hunt for Mark Peterson’s permanent replacement continues amidst global market volatility and regional competition.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 6:18 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Interim Leadership

With Mark Peterson officially departing at the end of April 2026, the board has appointed Graham Law, currently the Chief Financial and Corporate Officer, to the role of Acting CEO.

McMahon noted that the search is particularly competitive as several major global exchanges are currently seeking new leadership, including the ASX in Australia, following Helen Lofthouse's resignation earlier this year. "The Board is taking the necessary time to ensure we find the right candidate for what is a demanding role requiring a broad range of skills and domain knowledge," McMahon told shareholders.

Financial Outlook and Global Headwinds

The leadership transition comes at a delicate time for the exchange. While the financial year began strongly, capital markets have recently faced a "softening" due to:

The War in Iran: Geopolitical conflict has dampened global asset prices and capital market activity.