Former Prime Minister, board chair and global keynote speaker

Overview

Sir John Key served as New Zealand's 38th Prime Minister from 2008 to 2016. His experience spans international finance, government and company governance, giving him a broad perspective on leadership and the forces shaping business. In 2026, he was appointed chair of Crimson Education. His speaking draws on decisions made in banking, public office and the boardroom, with themes including the economy, global trade, leading through uncertainty and building trust.

Who is Sir John Key? Born in Auckland in 1961 to an Austrian Jewish refugee mother, Sir John grew up in a state house in Christchurch and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury. He spent two decades in investment banking, including senior roles at Merrill Lynch in Singapore, London and Sydney as head of global foreign exchange. He led New Zealand through the global financial crisis and the Canterbury earthquakes, and was made a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2017.

Career Highlights

• 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand, 2008–2016

• Three consecutive general election wins as National Party leader

• Addressed the UN Security Council on Syria in September 2016.

• Chair of ANZ Bank New Zealand, 2018–March 2024

• Chairman of Crimson Education from 2026

• Independent director, Palo Alto Networks (Nasdaq-listed)

• Chair of Oritain

• 20-year career in investment banking with Bankers Trust and Merrill Lynch

• KGNZM (2017); Honorary Companion in the Order of Australia

• Honorary Doctor of Commerce, University of Canterbury

Key Speaking Themes

• Leadership under pressure and decision-making in crisis

• Geopolitics, global trade and what it means for business

• The New Zealand and global economy

• Building trust and leading through change

• Lessons from politics, banking and the boardroom

What Your Audience Will Gain Sir John brings a rare combination of political, banking and boardroom experience to the stage. Audiences leave with clearer thinking on the global forces shaping their business and practical lessons on leading through uncertainty.

Ideal For

• CEO and leadership conferences

• AGMs, gala dinners and industry awards

• Global business and economic forums

• Customer events and offshore client functions

• Strategy days and executive offsites

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Sir John Key speak about? Leadership, geopolitics, the global economy, decision-making in crisis, and lessons from politics, banking and governance.

When was Sir John Key Prime Minister? From November 2008 until he resigned in December 2016, winning three general elections as leader of the National Party.

Is Sir John Key still Chairman of ANZ? No. He retired as Chair of ANZ Bank New Zealand and from the parent ANZ Group board in February 2024.

What does Sir John Key do now? He is Chairman of Crimson Education, a director of Palo Alto Networks and Oritain, and a globally booked keynote speaker.

When was John Key knighted? In the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours, as a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

How long is a typical keynote? 45 minutes is standard with Q&A optional. Fireside chat and moderated interview formats are also available.