{
  "id": 1818299,
  "title": "NZX appoints Hishaam Mirza as new chief executive",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/nzx-appoints-hishaam-mirza-as-new-chief-executive",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-18T22:21:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RNZ Business",
    "slug": "rnz-business",
    "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1057264/nzx-appoints-hishaam-mirza-as-new-chief-executive"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Capital markets operator NZX has appointed financial services executive Hishaam Mirza as the company's new chief executive, following a global search. The exchange had been without a CEO since May, when Mark Peterson resigned after several years of service. NZX chair John McMahon lauded Mirza's standing candidacy, citing the company's struggle to expand the number of listed companies over the past decade.\n\nHishaam Mirza has enjoyed a 14-year career at NZ Super, concluding with a leadership role in direct investments and managing a team of high-performing investment professionals, according to McMahon. The Board expressed delight at Mirza's appointment and anticipates collaborating with him to implement NZX's growth strategy, aiming to enhance the performance of NZX and New Zealand's capital markets.\n\nMirza commented that the opportunity now lies in increasing scale, liquidity, and global relevance for the exchange. As chief executive, he intends to ensure that NZX and Smart, as well as NZX Wealth Technologies businesses, maintain strong partnerships for businesses, investors, and government. By doing so, Mirza aims to assist New Zealand businesses in growing, innovating, and competing internationally while supporting more New Zealanders to build long-term wealth.\n\nGraham Law will continue to serve as the acting chief executive until September 14, when Hishaam Mirza assumes the position. The Board extends its sincere gratitude to Graham for his consistent leadership of the business since May.",
  "summary": "He replaces Mark Peterson who stepped out of the role in May after many years of service.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}