International banking boss Ross McEwan and energy entrepreneur Adam Peren strengthen Massey University Foundation Board

Adam Peren (left) and Ross McEwan have joined the Massey University Foundation Board.

Former National Australia Bank (NAB) chief executive Ross McEwan and renewable energy entrepreneur Adam Peren have joined the board of the Massey University Foundation – the university’s charitable arm. Mr McEwan and Mr Peren bring extensive skills and expertise to the board and its strategy to grow the Foundation’s assets from $62 million to $100m by the university’s centenary in 2027. 
 
An alumnus of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, Mr McEwan served as chief executive of NAB from July 2019 to February 2024. Before his move to NAB, Ross was head of the Royal Bank of Scotland and is recognised for leading a turnaround in the British bank’s fortunes. 
 
He also serves on the boards of Australian mining giant BHP, UK-based defence technology company QinetiQ and Ruminant BioTech, a methane-reduction technology firm based in Aotearoa New Zealand.Mr Peren is the chairman of Kiwi Hydrogen and Perennial Energy, biogenic hydrogen ventures in New Zealand and the United States, respectively. He worked in financial markets early in his career, before moving to central Otago to commercialise the nascent pinot noir industry. 
 
Mr Peren is the grandson of Sir Geoffrey Peren, who founded Massey Agriculture College – now the university – in 1927.
 
Mr McEwan says the Foundation’s $100 million goal is challenging in a weakened economy but achievable. 
“Its work is more vital than ever, as students struggle to cover their living and course costs while still achieving in their studies.
 
He credits Massey, from which he gained a Bachelor in Business Studies majoring in personnel management, with setting him up for a successful career, and says it is time to give back. 
“The Massey University Foundation is something people can really engage with and get pleasure out of. Donors can see the real impact their giving has on recipients.”
 
Mr Peren says he’s proud to continue his grandfather’s legacy in supporting Massey. 
 
“The Foundation plays a crucial role in sourcing external capital so the university can continue to attract the best people and resources to spearhead leading research and innovation,” he says.
 
“I’m excited to bring my practical experiences and my drive to leverage innovation to the mix.”    
The Foundation is a trust and registered charity established in 2004 to foster philanthropy and administrate gifts to the university.
 
Mr McEwan and Mr Peren join current board members: Chair Bryan Mogridge, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas, Professor Wayne McIlwraith, Dianne Kidd, Paul Bayly and Deputy Vice-Chancellor University Services Shelley Turner.