On Thursday, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced that Sarah Hunter has been appointed as its new chief economist and assistant governor (economic).
Ms Hunter has a background in academia, consulting and public service, including in senior executive roles. She previously helped establish the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Australian offices at Oxford Economics and progressed to the role of chief economist at the firm.
She then served as a partner at KPMG in the economics and tax centre before joining the Commonwealth Treasury as the head of macroeconomic conditions.
In her current role at Treasury, she oversees the analysis of current conditions and economic forecasts and advises the government on a broad range of economic and policy issues.
The RBA confirmed that Ms Hunter will join the central bank as chief economist and assistant governor (economic) on 29 January 2024 and will lead its economic group, which comprises economic analysis and economic research.
“I am delighted that Sarah will be joining us. She will bring a unique and diverse perspective to the bank and the leadership team,” said RBA governor Michele Bullock.
Commenting on her appointment, Sarah Hunter said: “I am honoured and privileged to be joining the RBA. I am very much looking forward to working with the governor, the leadership team, and the RBA’s highly skilled and expert staff to serve all Australians.”
Ms Hunter will take over the role previously held by Luci Ellis, who departed the RBA in October to become Westpac’s group chief economist.
Mr Hauser joins the RBA from the Bank of England (BoE), where he has spent more than 30 years, including the past five as executive director for markets.
Dr Chalmers said that Mr Hauser will bring international expertise in macroeconomics, markets, and central banking operations to the RBA.
“His appointment strikes the right balance between providing deep central banking experience and offering a fresh, global perspective to the work of the RBA,” the Treasurer said.
“He will work closely with governor Bullock to implement the recommendations of the review of the Reserve Bank of Australia, including a stronger monetary policy framework for the benefit of all Australians.”
