Brad Olsen is stepping down as chief executive of Infometrics to focus on his role as the company's principal economist [1].
The leadership transition at the Wellington-based consultancy occurs as the firm continues to provide critical economic forecasting and analysis for New Zealand. By shifting his focus, Olsen aims to dedicate more energy to the technical and analytical aspects of the business rather than administrative oversight.
Olsen has held the chief executive position since February 2023 [3]. In a statement regarding the transition, Olsen said he wants to focus on his principal economist role [4].
To fill the vacancy, the firm has appointed Gareth Kiernan as acting managing director [2]. Kiernan will assume these new responsibilities alongside his existing role as the chief forecaster within the business [2].
This internal reorganization allows Infometrics to maintain its leadership in economic data while ensuring that its primary analytical voice remains central to its operations. The move ensures that the company's forecasting capabilities remain stable during the transition period.
Olsen said that he made the decision to step down from the chief executive role to focus his energies on his principal economist role [2]. The appointment of Kiernan ensures continuity in the firm's executive management and forecasting output.
“Brad Olsen said he wants to focus on his principal economist role.”
This transition signals a strategic prioritization of technical expertise over administrative management at Infometrics. By installing a chief forecaster as acting managing director, the firm ensures that its operational leadership is closely aligned with its core product—economic forecasting—while allowing its principal economist to operate without the constraints of CEO duties.
