Heartland Group Holdings Limited announced that Geoffrey Ricketts has passed away following a sudden illness. Geoff was a founding Director of Heartland's Board, having served as Chair of Southern Cross Building Society before it merged to become Heartland New Zealand Limited (HNZ) in 2011. Geoff was appointed Chair in August 2013 and stood down on 20 February 2023.

He remained a valued Director. In his time as Chair, HNZ evolved to become the Heartland it is today, now a trans-Tasman, dual-listed financial services company providing banking and financial services to more than 130,000 customers, with a market cap in excess of $1 billion. As a strong supporter of community and philanthropic activities, Geoff also chaired the Heartland Trust, Heartland's registered charitable trust.