Bye bye Gen-i... Head honcho joins Auckland-based finance tech firm

After an international talent search the Auckland-based financial technology company Finzsoft Solutions Limited has appointed Hugh McKellar to the position of Chief Operations Officer.

Taking up his role with Finzsoft in early September, McKellar is joining Finzsoft after twelve years at Telecom Group, where he is currently Head of Marketing for Gen-i.

Finzsoft Managing Director, Andrew Holliday says that the new COO role was created to maximize Finzsoft’s future growth potential and to lead the development of transformational products for the banking and finance sector.

“The Finzsoft Board is very pleased to have been able to attract an individual of Hugh’s calibre to the team," he says.

"Hugh has extensive experience in IT, banking, mobility and telecommunications, and Finzsoft is looking forward to his dynamic leadership preparing the company for further expansion, and the development and implementation of a number of new solutions.”

Holliday says that 2014 is an important year for the global banking and finance industry to meet the technology demands of a dynamic and mobile-oriented market.

“Finzsoft has tier one banking and finance clients and growing cash flow and revenue," he adds.

"With Hugh leading our exceptionally strong management team and talented staff, Finzsoft is well-positioned to build on recent wins and drive growth, innovation and customer success.”

McKellar’s roles across the Telecom Group have included Commerce & Mobile Data Services Business Manager, Head of Emerging Business Marketing, Business Manager – Applications & Verticals, and Head of On-line.

McKellar was also one of the pioneers of the New Zealand Internet industry, helping transform ICONZ into New Zealand’s leading business ISP provider.

Prior to this he spent a decade in the UK working for major financial services companies both in technical and management roles.

As COO, McKellar will be responsible for overseeing Finzsoft’s day-to-day operations and service delivery to customers.

“I’ve always been interested in the transaction flow, how software can transform customer experiences and the efficiency that this can bring," McKellar says.

"Fintech is about businesses wanting to be where their customer’s customers’ are, and very few companies do what Finzsoft does in this space.

“They have fantastic IP, a committed and innovative board and exceptionally talented people.

"The fact that it is a New Zealand-based and owned company that’s selling to the world, and competing with the best in the world, was very attractive to me.

“We’ve got an exciting road ahead with a good deal flow and transformational products in the pipeline. I’m very much looking forward to this new challenge.”