Airwallex has appointed Elana Rubin AM as independent chair of its Australian board, as the company strengthens its leadership in key markets.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir Bill English joins Rubin as an independent non-executive director of the Australian board.

Airwallex appointed him chair of its New Zealand board on March 26. Both appointments take effect immediately.

Rubin brings experience across technology, financial services, infrastructure and the public sector.

She currently serves as a non-executive director of Dexus, is a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Governance Board, and chairs the Australian Business Growth Fund and Infoxchange.

Her previous roles include chair of Afterpay, AustralianSuper and the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, as well as non-executive positions at Telstra and Mirvac.

English holds several governance roles, including non-executive director at Wesfarmers, and chair positions at Mount Cook Alpine Salmon, Manawanui Support and Impact Lab.

He is also a director of the Paul Ramsay Foundation. He served as New Zealand’s 39th Prime Minister and was Minister of Finance for eight years.

Rubin said:

“I am excited to take on the role of chair of Airwallex’s Australian Board. The company has demonstrated exceptional growth and established itself as a leader in global payments and financial infrastructure.

“Australia has a strong track record of fintech innovation and Airwallex is well positioned to help more businesses expand globally. I look forward to working closely with the team and stakeholders to ensure the business continues to deliver for its customers.”

Featured image credit: Reserve Bank of Australia