Full Breakdown
Leadership Transition at Infometrics
7/31/2026, 8:39:42 PM
Core Event
Infometrics, a Wellington-based economics consultancy, announced that its chief executive, Brad Olsen, will step down from that role to concentrate on his responsibilities as principal economist. Olsen, who assumed the chief executive position in February 2023, will remain with the firm in a senior analytical capacity.
Background on Olsen’s Tenure
During his roughly one-year tenure as chief executive, Olsen oversaw the release of several economic indicators that have been widely cited in New Zealand’s public discourse. His leadership coincided with the consultancy’s continued provision of inflation, wage-growth, and housing-market forecasts that inform both government policy and private-sector planning.
Incoming Acting Managing Director
Gareth Kiernan will assume the acting managing director role while retaining his duties as chief forecaster. Kiernan’s affiliation with Infometrics dates back to 1999; he previously served as managing director in 2006 and as operations director from 2014 onward. The firm indicated that his long-standing experience positions him to maintain continuity in its forecasting services during the transition.
Board Assessment
Chris Whelan, chair of Infometrics’ board, praised Olsen’s contribution, noting that he brought “great energy and drive” and launched several initiatives that advanced the firm’s strategic objectives. The board expressed confidence that Olsen’s continued focus on principal-economist work will support Infometrics’ ongoing research agenda.
