John Bartley will take up the new role created within Tainui Group Holdings (TGH) on October 11 as the organisation takes on the mandate of managing a wider spread of assets for the iwi.

TGH holds assets worth over a billion dollars and the group's chairman is Sir Henry van der Heyden.

TGH chief executive Chris Joblin says the appointment anticipates an increased focus on portfolio management as the business gives effect to the Puna Whakatupu Tangata investment framework designed to grow long-term prosperity for the 78,000 members of Waikato-Tainui.

Bartley brings close to 20 years of experience in roles spanning investment analysis and strategy with BNZ, ANZ and Fonterra, including 11 years with NZ Superfund (Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation), the last seven years as a portfolio manager for the sovereign investment fund.

“John brings a wealth of experience in growing well-balanced portfolios both in New Zealand and offshore markets," says Joblin.

"His experience will be invaluable as TGH looks to enter a new chapter of greater scale and diversity of investments on behalf of our iwi."

Bartley holds a Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (Hons) from the University of Waikato and a Masters in Applied Finance from the University of Melbourne.

He was born and raised in Tokoroa in South Waikato, and he and his wife both have family in the Waikato region.

“I am looking forward to moving home and using my skills and experience to create wealth for the iwi and the region where I was born," says Bartley.

"I’m excited to be part of building a world-class investment portfolio that aligns with the values and aspirations of Waikato-Tainui."

Established in 2003, TGH manages a diverse portfolio of commercial assets.

Major projects currently include the development of the first 92 hectares of the Ruakura inland port and logistics hub and the construction of a new regional headquarters for the ACC in the Hamilton CBD alongside a diversification into international equities and fixed income.