Heartland mourns the loss of Geoffrey Ricketts

NZX/ASX release 13 March 2023 Heartland mourns the loss of Geoffrey Ricketts Heartland Group Holdings Limited (Heartland) (NZX/ASX: HGH) advises with great sadness that Geoffrey Ricketts has passed away following a sudden illness. The Heartland Board wishes to acknowledge Geoff's outstanding contribution and commitment to Heartland. Geoff was a founding Director of Heartland's Board, having served as Chair of Southern Cross Building Society before it merged to become Heartland New Zealand Limited (HNZ) in 2011. Geoff was appointed Chair in August 2013 and stood down on 20 February 2023. He remained a valued Director. In his time as Chair, HNZ evolved to become the Heartland it is today, now a trans-Tasman, dual-listed financial services company providing banking and financial services to more than 130,000 customers, with a market cap in excess of $1 billion. Geoff's strategic leadership, governance experience and wise advice to the Board and management will be sorely missed. In 2008, Geoff was named the Deloitte/New Zealand Management Magazine Chairperson of the Year, and in 2013 he received the insignia of a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Education, the Arts and Business. In 2022, Geoff was named a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand. As a strong supporter of community and philanthropic activities, Geoff also chaired the Heartland Trust, Heartland's registered charitable trust. The Board, management and team at Heartland extend their deepest sympathies to Geoff's family at this very difficult time. - ENDS - The person(s) who authorised this announcement: Jeff Greenslade Chief Executive Officer, Heartland Group Holdings Limited For further information, please contact: Nicola Foley Group Head of Communications, Heartland Group Holdings Limited +64 27 345 6809 nicola.foley@heartland.co.nz Level 3, Heartland House, 35 Teed Street, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand End CA:00408201 For:HBL Type:GENERAL Time:2023-03-13 08:35:30