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Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh will retire mid-2025, according to an announcement from the industry body.
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) is set for a change in leadership, with the industry body confirming the retirement of current CEO Bligh.
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In a statement released on Monday (3 February), the industry body said the former Queensland premier would retire mid-2025, once a suitable replacement has been found.
Bligh has led the advocacy group for the past eight years, having commenced the role of CEO in April 2017.
Her tenure spans an interesting period for Australia’s lenders including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures, and the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.
Commenting on her decision to retire, Bligh said her role at the ABA had been a “rollercoaster”, but added it had been both “professionally and personally satisfying”.
“Australia’s banks have thoughtful people committed to their customers and it’s been a pleasure to work with them,” she said.
“Our banks pull some of the biggest levers in the economy and have enormous impact on people’s lives, so I’ve relished the chance to play a part in improving the system and making a difference.
“When I started in 2017, the banking industry had lost the trust of the Australian community and has since worked tirelessly to earn back that trust. Every bank stepped up to support Australians during the COVID pandemic, deferring mortgage and loan repayments for every customer who needed it.
“Across the sector, Australia’s banks are playing a leadership role in building the digital economy, tackling scams and financial fraud, supporting customers experiencing vulnerability and financial stress, including those experiencing domestic violence and elder abuse.”
NAB CEO hails ‘significant impact’
Current ABA chair and National Australia Bank (NAB) CEO Andrew Irvine paid tribute to Bligh in the announcement, noting how the financial services sector had benefited from her experience and leadership.
“On behalf of the membership and Council of the ABA, I would like to thank Anna for her enormous contributions to our industry and recognise the significant impact she has had,” Irvine said.
“The role of an industry association CEO is always a challenging one and we are certainly fortunate that Anna has invested so much time and energy for Australian financial services.
“She has held a relentless focus on helping and supporting customers, particularly the most vulnerable members of our community.
“She has been a cornerstone of industry actions following the necessary Royal Commission in 2018-19 and our positive response to support customers and the broader economy during the COVID pandemic and recovery.
“It is clear that Anna has the respect of her stakeholders, formed strong working relationships with other peak bodies domestically and internationally. She has elevated debate around banking services to a higher, more effective policy-based set of considerations.”
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