New RBA board members revealed
(29 March 2011 – Australia) Treasurer Wayne Swan has named former HSBC chief economist John Edwards and a resources sector executive Catherine Tanna as the newest members of the Reserve Bank board.
They replace former National Farmers' Federation president Donald McGauchie and Professor Warwick McKibbin from ANU, who were both appointed under the Howard government.
Dr Edwards is currently an executive director of the Economic Development Board of Bahrain, and holds a variety of academic roles.
He was formerly the chief economist for Australia and New Zealand for global banking giant HSBC.
Dr Edwards was also economic adviser to former treasurer and prime minister Paul Keating between 1991 and 1994 and, before that, a reporter for the Financial Review, The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald.
Ms Tanna is currently the executive vice-president of British natural gas company BG Group and the managing director of its Australian operations.
She is a qualified solicitor in Australia and England, and has previously worked for BHP Petroleum and Shell.
Wayne Swan says the pair will bring a diverse range of experiences to the board.
'Ms Tanna and Dr Edwards will bring a unique combination of business, academic and professional economic experience to the RBA board,' he said in a statement.
'They share an understanding of the macroeconomic implications of the strength of our resources sector and the opportunities flowing from Australia's location on the doorstep of Asia, as well as an important perspective on issues affecting regional Australia and a deep knowledge of global financial markets.'
Both have been appointed for five-year terms, with Ms Tanna's term commencing tomorrow, and Dr Edwards starting on July 31.
Dr Edwards is currently an executive director of the Economic Development Board of Bahrain, and holds a variety of academic roles.
He was formerly the chief economist for Australia and New Zealand for global banking giant HSBC.
Dr Edwards was also economic adviser to former treasurer and prime minister Paul Keating between 1991 and 1994 and, before that, a reporter for the Financial Review, The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald.
Ms Tanna is currently the executive vice-president of British natural gas company BG Group and the managing director of its Australian operations.
She is a qualified solicitor in Australia and England, and has previously worked for BHP Petroleum and Shell.
Wayne Swan says the pair will bring a diverse range of experiences to the board.
'Ms Tanna and Dr Edwards will bring a unique combination of business, academic and professional economic experience to the RBA board,' he said in a statement.
'They share an understanding of the macroeconomic implications of the strength of our resources sector and the opportunities flowing from Australia's location on the doorstep of Asia, as well as an important perspective on issues affecting regional Australia and a deep knowledge of global financial markets.'
Both have been appointed for five-year terms, with Ms Tanna's term commencing tomorrow, and Dr Edwards starting on July 31.
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