Mary Jo Vergara joined the Kiwibank economics team in 2019, bringing with her a keen interest in understanding and communicating how the Kiwi economy fits within the global landscape. Her research ranges from macroeconomics and environmental economics to New Zealand’s economic history.

Mary Jo is skilled in quantitative analysis including statistical and econometric modelling. Prior to joining Kiwibank, she worked in economic consulting as a research analyst following five years of university study. Mary Jo holds a Master of Economics from the University of Auckland.

Brian joined Australian Retirement Trust in June 2015 as Chief Economist. Prior to joining, Brian worked in a series of economics, asset allocation, and communications roles with a range of firms, including Rothschild, JP Morgan, Citigroup, MLC, and the Reserve Bank of Australia, in a career spanning more than 30 years.

Brian has an honours degree in economics from the University of Queensland, where he also taught macroeconomics, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. In addition to his investment day job, he presents on economic and investment matters to a wide range of audiences across Australia, and over the years has addressed audiences across Asia, and in New Zealand, France, the Middle East and the UK.