Brad Olsen steps down as Infometrics chief executive

Author: Tom Raynel,
Publish Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2026, 2:13pm

Chief executive and principal economist of Infometrics, Brad Olsen, has announced his resignation. Photo / Anna Heath

Wellington-based economics consultancy Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen is stepping down to focus on his principal economist role.

Olsen, who has held the position since February 2023, will step aside for Gareth Kiernan, who will fill the acting managing director role alongside his role as chief forecaster.

Kiernan has been with Infometrics since 1999. He was the managing director in 2006 before becoming operations director in 2014.

Infometrics board chair Chris Whelan said Olsen had made a valuable contribution to Infometrics’ leadership.

“Brad has brought great energy and drive to Infometrics, alongside some excellent initiatives. The Board thanks Brad for his leadership and looks forward to continuing to work with him to deliver our strategy.”

Olsen said he wanted to focus on ensuring as many people as possible are better informed, and that economics is put simply.

“That remains the mission at Infometrics, and I’m stoked Gareth is stepping into the managing director role to keep the business moving forward,” Olsen said.

“Moving back to the principal economist role means I can best dedicate my time to getting out and interacting with our clients, and seeing the economy up close and personal.”

Olsen downplayed the significance of his decision and stressed it was “not a big deal”.

He denied rumours he would stand for the National Party at the general election.

Olsen recently found himself in the middle of a debate between the Treasury and the Green Party after Treasury commentary suggested the party’s reading of wealth tax analysis was incorrect.

The Green Party’s policy costings were independently reviewed by Olsen, who later acknowledged subsequent information released by Treasury showed the Greens’ modelling was different from Treasury’s.

Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald, covering small business, retail and tourism.