Graeme Wheeler


Graeme Paul Wheeler was the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand from 2012 to Sept 2017. He succeeded Alan Bollard in this role on 26 September 2012 and was succeeded by Grant Spencer.

Professional career

Educated at the University of Auckland, Wheeler began working at the New Zealand Treasury in 1973 as an adviser. From 1984 to 1990 he was economic and financial councillor for the New Zealand delegation to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, eventually becoming director of macroeconomic policy at the New Zealand Treasury in 1990. In 1997, he went to work for the World Bank Group, firstly as director of the Financial Products and Services Department. From 2006 to 2010 he was managing director of operations at the World Bank overseeing 12,000 staff and a US$1.7 billion budget. In 2010, Wheeler left the World Bank to start his own firm, advising investors and Russian policy makers about Russian privatisation.

Reserve Bank Governor

Wheeler succeeded Alan Bollard as Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand on 26 September 2012. Wheeler was replaced by Deputy Governor Grant Spencer on Sept 27, 2017.

Cricketing career

A right-hand batsman and right-arm medium-pace bowler, Wheeler played one first-class match for Wellington in the 1981-82 season.