Business executive’s qualities universally respected
Businessman
SIR John Anderson was a banking boss and prominent business leader.
The former ANZ National Bank and TVNZ chief executive died at his Wellington home on Tuesday night, aged 73.
Sir John served as chief executive and director of Southpac, retaining those positions in subsequent mergers with the National Bank in 1989 and the ANZ in 2003, before retiring in 2005 and taking up the chairmanship of TVNZ the following year.
He was also on the board of NZXlisted NZME, publisher of The New Zealand Herald, before stepping down in December last year.
Sir John led the news organisation through its demerger with APN News & Media.
NZME chief executive Michael Boggs paid tribute to Sir John following news of his death.
‘‘I was lucky enough to work with Sir John Anderson as NZME’s chairman,’’ Mr Boggs said.
‘‘His calm demeanour and business experience emanated through every interaction. He was known for his leadership skills and passion for developing talent. I feel privileged to have worked with him.’’
ANZ Bank New Zealand also paid tribute to its former chief executive.
‘‘Sir John Anderson had a long and successful career in New Zealand business, including being CEO of Southpac, the National Bank and ANZ National Bank,’’ ANZ New Zealand chief executive David Hisco said.
‘‘When ANZ bought the National Bank off Lloyds TSB in 2003, Sir John was that well respected he was asked to stay on and run the two banks.
‘‘Sir John’s love of sport, particularly cricket, was legendary in the bank. We have him to thank for the bank’s longtime and successful association with, and sponsorship of, New Zealand cricket.
‘‘I never worked with him but many staff still talk fondly of Sir John. They say he was compassionate, a good listener, had a sharp analytical mind and was decisive.
‘‘He always talked about looking after the customer because if that was achieved the business couldn’t help but be successful. That’s a great legacy to leave future generations of leaders in our company and across New Zealand business.’’
Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden said the scheme owed much to the wisdom and vision of Sir John.
‘‘We are very saddened to hear about the passing of Sir John Anderson,’’ Ms Sladden said.
‘‘The scheme owes much to the wisdom and vision of Sir John. He was a driving force in establishing the Banking Ombudsman Scheme 26 years ago.
‘‘He worked with consumer champions like David Russell to establish the scheme as a free and independent place for banking customers to bring their complaints. This was well before it was a government requirement for banks to belong to such a scheme.’’
John Anthony Anderson was born in Wellington on August 2, 1945, and was educated at Christ’s College and Victoria University of Wellington.
He married Carol Tuck in
1970, and they had three children.
Knighted for services to business management, banking and the community in the 1995 New Year Honours, Sir John was also the inaugural winner of the Blake Medal in 2005 for leadership in his various fields.
In December 2007, he was appointed chairman of the Capital and Coast District
Health Board, responsible for medical services in the Wellington and Kapiti Coast, after a series of significant financial and operational problems.
In February 2008, he was appointed commissioner of the Hawkes Bay District Health Board after the board was sacked by then health minister David Cunliffe, and two years later, Sir John joined the board of PGG Wrightson and became chairman.
Sir John was appointed chairman of New Zealand Cricket in 1995, and served as New Zealand’s representative on the International Cricket Council’s executive board.
He is survived by his wife Carol, two of his three children and five grandchildren. — The New Zealand Herald/RNZ