Following today’s announcement by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the External Reporting Board (XRB) welcomes the appointment of John Kensington as its new Chair, with effect from 11 August 2025. The appointment follows Michele Embling’s decision to step down after serving six years as Chair of the XRB Board.
John Kensington brings a wealth of experience in financial reporting and assurance, governance, and regulatory oversight. He has been a member of the XRB Board since 2017 and is widely respected for his deep understanding of New Zealand’s assurance and reporting landscape.
Mr Kensington said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair. The XRB plays a critical role in enabling transparency, accountability, and trust in New Zealand’s external reporting and assurance standards. I look forward to working with the Board and stakeholders to meet the needs of information users, preparers and assurance practitioners.”
The XRB extends its sincere gratitude to Ms Embling for her exceptional leadership and dedication over many years. Ms Embling has been a member of the XRB Board since its inception in 2011 and was the inaugural chair of the New Zealand Accounting Standards Board, a sub-board of the XRB.
Under Ms Embling’s stewardship, the XRB is recognised domestically and internationally for the high quality of its work. She has overseen the expansion of the XRB’s mandate into non-financial reporting, bringing a strategic and pragmatic lens to standard setting and championing new and innovative thinking. Her leadership, expertise and constructive and thoughtful approach are deeply appreciated by stakeholders.
Mr Kensington said: “I want to acknowledge Michele’s outstanding contribution to the XRB. She has been an exemplary Chair, and it has been a privilege to work alongside her for the past eight years. I will be proud to continue the work we have underway” said Mr Kensington.
Current board member, Jacqueline Cheyne has been appointed Deputy Chair. Ms Cheyne has been an XRB Board member for six years. Her appointment will provide further continuity in enabling XRB to deliver on its purpose of promoting trust and confidence, transparency and accountability through high-quality external reporting and assurance.
ENDS
For further information contact Donna.Freebairn@xrb.govt.nz
