Meet Our Executive Team

Avanti Finance wouldn’t be where it is today without its people. Our team is diverse, with decades of combined experience in finance and beyond.

Fred Ohlsson

Group Chief Executive Officer

Fred joined Avanti Group in February 2024 and has extensive experience in senior leadership positions in the financial services sector in both New Zealand and Australia.

Liesl Knox

Chief Executive Officer – BFS AU

Liesl has been with Avanti Group since 2019, when she joined as Chief Risk Officer. In 2023, she became the CEO of our subsidiary Branded Financial Services Australia. Liesl brings more than 25 years’ experience in the finance industry in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Paul Jamieson

Group Treasurer

Paul leads the Treasury function for Avanti, having joined in July 2019 following 20 years in banking and financial markets in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

Mena Eskander

Chief Technology Officer

Mena started his first technology business in 2001 and was one of the co-founders of  Motorcentral Technologies. He has a deep understanding of technology and how it can be utilised to create value for people and business

Brad Lang

Brad Lang

Group Chief Financial Officer

Brad joined Avanti as Group CFO in May 2025. With over 12 years of experience at Partners Life and a strong background in finance, strategy, and corporate acquisitions, Brad brings extensive leadership expertise and strategic insight.

Ben Anderson

Chief Risk Officer

Ben joined Avanti in 2024, he has extensive banking experience from frontline and risk roles at ANZ and ASB. His expertise includes operational risk and compliance, financial risk, and credit risk management across retail, small business, and commercial sectors. 

Tracy Pennell

General Manager Strategic Delivery

Tracy joined Avanti in 2023 and has 20 years of experience within the banking and finance sectors in New Zealand and Australia. Tracy has extensive experience in strategy, business transformation and product management.

Lee Robson

General Manager Auto

Lee joined Avanti in 2022 as National Sales Manager and was appointed General Manager Auto in 2025. With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Lee has held senior sales and operational roles across auto financing, leasing, and the oil sector. 

Robin Hopkins

General Manager Property Development & Business

Robin joined Avanti in 2017 from ANZ Bank. He has a strong focus on relationships along with significant experience in credit and maintains Avanti’s JV and partnership relationships.

Ian Boyce

General Manager Property

Ian joined Avanti in November 2022 and leads the Property business. He brings almost 30 years of senior leadership experience in financial services, banking and insurance.