ANZ strengthens presence in Queensland and WA

ANZ today announced the appointment of Russell Shields as Queensland Chairman and John Atkins as Western Australian Chairman to assist in the further development of ANZ’s business in Australia’s two fastest growing states.

Mr Shields and Mr Atkins roles are new to ANZ and follow the successful state leadership role established by Warwick Smith who was appointed New South Wales Chairman in 2007. The State Chairman roles report to Peter Hodgson, Group Managing Director Institutional.

Commenting on the appointments, ANZ Chief Executive Officer Mike Smith said: “Russell and John will be responsible for representing ANZ’s interests and strengthening the Group’s profile in Queensland and Western Australia.

“They will work closely with the state heads of ANZ businesses and have accountability for the development of our activities in Australia’s two fastest growing states,” Mr Smith said.

Russell Shields has held senior finance roles in Australia and Asia. He established the Queensland office of Wardley Australia, the investment banking arm of HSBC, and was most recently Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Transport, Construction and Infrastructure in Hong Kong with HSBC. Russell is a member of the Hong Kong Maritime Council, an advisory body to the Hong Kong Government on maritime issues; and Chairman of Maritime Capital Partners, a Hong Kong based shipping company. He will join ANZ on 15 July based in Brisbane.

John Atkins is currently Head of Office with Freehills in Perth having served as Managing Partner, Freehills in Melbourne, and National Practice Partner and International Partner with responsibility for the firm’s overseas operations in Asia. John is also serving as Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Perth and as a Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia. He will take up his appointment on 11 August based in Perth. 

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