8 women IN BUSINESS
WBS Moving with the times The appointment of Jennie Mitchell as the first female CEO in WBS’s 149-year history is just one of many recent changes for the local financial institution. WBS’s new office at 125 Queen Street
Jennie took over the reins in March, and has continued to implement changes throughout the business, ensuring WBS is well placed to deliver even more reliable, secure and flexible financial solutions well into the future. Jennie is a natural fit for the role, with great credentials in both financial management and in community involvement. She is a Chartered Accountant and has held senior management roles in various Wairarapa organisations and businesses, including the South Wairarapa District Council and the Wairarapa District Health Board. Most recently, she gained a thorough understanding of the business as WBS’s Finance Manager. Pahiatua born, Jennie studied in Palmerston North and these days lives at Riversdale Beach. In acknowledging the milestone, WBS Board Chair Colin Oldfield says Jennie was the standout candidate with impressive experience and understanding of the Wairarapa community. This notable appointment comes on the back of a period of transformation for WBS, with new branding, a new website, and upgraded IT systems ushered in over the past year. The most notable other change is the move to brand-new premises in the heart of the Masterton CBD. WBS has a suite of offices on the corner of Queen Street and Church Street, just one block from their former office. The 14-strong team are keen to settle in and continue providing the personalised service that sets them apart from regular banking services. “Our customers are more than just a number to us; we take the time to meet in person and understand their needs, often helping customers throughout their financial journey. It’s old-school banking with all the modern traits,” laughs Jennie.
“I’m thoroughly
enjoying leading a talented team that is genuinely committed to customer service,” says Jennie. The WBS Board
Jennie Mitchell
“I’m thoroughly enjoying leading a talented team that is genuinely committed to customer service,” says Jennie. “Customers are increasingly seeing the value of smaller, local providers for loans and investments, as they have greater flexibility and autonomy. Our challenge is to maintain our personal and tailored approach as we continue to grow.”
100% Wairarapa owned WBS is the only 100% locally owned lending and investment service in the Wairarapa that rewards its members and puts money directly back into the community. “WBS’s profits don’t end up overseas as they do with many of the banks; they stay right here in the Wairarapa to help others in the community.” Jennie explains that WBS’ profits are used to help grow customer’s’ savings and investments by offering great rates. They are used to help local families onto the property ladder; and they are used to invest in and give back to the local community. “In essence, we are in partnership with the community.”
WBS is governed by an independent Board of Directors, with all the directors living right here in the Wairarapa and having longstanding connections to the region. WBS has attracted highly skilled businesspeople and professionals to its board, expertly steering the building society in the right direction while maintaining their focus on helping local people and businesses succeed. The current board members are Colin Oldfield (Chair), Kristy McDonald (Deputy Chair), Tony Beech, Adam Parker, Nick Rogers, and Blair Stevens.
Community Projects Exciting things are happening throughout the Wairarapa, and WBS has been involved in the background of many progressive projects, funding innovative developers and supporting community initiatives. An upcoming funding round to celebrate the move to the new office will see local groups and organisations share in a pool of grants and sponsorship money. Details can be found on their website – wbs.net.nz.
Call us today (06) 370 0070 or wbs.net.nz
