He will spearhead the firm’s IT strategy
MinterEllisonRuddWatts has brought Heartland Bank chief operating officer Mike Grenfell in as the firm’s new chief information officer.
He takes up the new role in August. He will spearhead the firm’s IT strategy, progress digital and AI initiatives, and facilitate the alignment of technology investments with business and client objectives.
“As well as being an accomplished technology leader, Mike brings real depth in AI strategy and its practical application - with expertise helping organisations navigate both the opportunities and the risks. His experience will strengthen how we approach our firm’s digital and AI strategy and ensure we continue to invest in the platforms and capabilities that support our people and deliver excellent value to our clients”, MinterEllisonRuddWatts chief executive Aaron Hockly said.
Over a two-year tenure at Heartland Bank, Grenfell tackled core banking migration, implemented digital solutions, and led the shift to cloud-based platforms. He oversaw a team of over 200 and was on the executive leadership team.
Previously, he was the CIO at the New Zealand Automobile Association, where he led the organisation’s digital transformation strategy. He also spent nine years at Cigna in various senior roles, including head of business innovation (international markets), chief marketing officer, chief operating officer and chief information officer. During this time, he worked with Cigna’s Asia Pacific CEO as part of the global office team in Hong Kong, served as head of strategy and product for a six-month stint, and handled functions like IT, underwriting, claims, customer services, risk and compliance, and marketing strategy and execution.
Grenfell freelanced as a consultant in IT, digital, strategy and innovation. In November 2023, he founded ExecTech Consulting, where he advises SME leaders on AI, practical adoption roadmaps, halted technology projects, new systems integration, and new technology strategies.
He was called upon to speak at the Institute of Directors New Zealand’s Governing AI Forum 2026 earlier this month. He received his bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Waikato and his bachelor's degree in economics at the University of Otago.
Grenfell participated in courses offered by the Institute of Management New Zealand, the University of Auckland, the Institute of Data & Marketing, the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School Online and MIT Sloan School of Management.
