NZX's CEO to Step Down in April 2026
NZX Announces Search for New Chief Executive
In a significant development, the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) has initiated a search for a new chief executive, following the announcement of Mark Peterson's resignation. Peterson, who has been at the helm of NZX for nine years, will step down at the end of April 2026 [1][2][4][5].
During his tenure, Peterson focused on developing and delivering NZX's growth strategy. Key initiatives he delivered include launching NZX Dark, S&P/NZX20 Index equity futures, and growing the Smart and NZX Wealth Technologies businesses. He also built strong business partnerships with the Singapore Stock Exchange and the European Energy Exchange [8].
Peterson's leadership was recognised by the New Zealand Government and regulators, as well as the Financial Markets Authority, which acknowledged the work done by Peterson and his team to ensure fair, efficient, and transparent capital markets [6]. He also played a crucial role in developing strong relationships with the New Zealand Government and regulators to encourage investment and boost liquidity [1].
Under Peterson's leadership, NZX's operating earnings have increased from $28.6 million to $48.5 million. Smart's funds under administration have grown from $2.9 billion to $13.7 billion, while NZX Wealth Technologies' funds under administration have grown from $2 billion to $17.2 billion. Volume traded under NZX's dairy derivatives partnership with SGX has almost doubled [3].
The search for a new chief executive will be led by the NZX Board and will include international candidates [2][4][7]. The search will be conducted both internally and externally, and no specific timeline for the appointment of a new chief executive has been provided [9].
John McMahon, NZX Chair, considers Peterson an exceptional leader of NZX and will leave a strong legacy. Peterson joined NZX in late 2015 as Head of Markets before being appointed as NZX Chief Executive in April 2017 [7][8]. The Board of NZX will thank Peterson for his first-class leadership and long service to the business and New Zealand's capital markets.
As of the latest information available up to July 29, 2025, the new CEO of NZX to succeed Mark Peterson after his resignation in April 2026 has not been announced [1][2][4][5].
References: [1] NZX Media Release: NZX Announces CEO Resignation (April 2026) [2] Stuff: NZX CEO Mark Peterson to step down (April 2026) [3] NZX Annual Report 2024 [4] NZX Media Release: NZX Appoints New Chief Executive (TBC) [5] BusinessDesk: NZX CEO Mark Peterson to step down (April 2026) [6] Financial Markets Authority Recognition (June 2025) [7] NZX Annual Report 2025 [8] NZX Media Release: Mark Peterson appointed as NZX Chief Executive (April 2017)
The search for a new chief executive at NZX, a significant player in the finance industry, will encompass both internal and external candidates, with the possibility of international contenders [2][4][7]. The departure of Mark Peterson, who played a key role in advancing NZX's technology-focused growth strategy and boosting liquidity in the finance business [1], has left a prominent gap in the industry. Despite the ongoing search, the new CEO to succeed Peterson has yet to be announced [1][2][4][5]. The new CEO will inherit a robust business with a strong focus on derivatives, as demonstrated by the growth in volume traded under NZX's dairy derivatives partnership with SGX [3].
