Senior management change in International and Institutional Banking
super regional growth momentum continuing
ANZ today advised that Alex Thursby, CEO International and Institutional Banking, will leave ANZ at the end of this month following his decision to take up a role as Chief Executive of a bank in the Middle East.
Commenting on Mr Thursby’s decision, ANZ Chief Executive Officer Mike Smith said: “Over the past six years Alex has played a leading role in implementing the Group’s super regional strategy. He has helped to transform ANZ creating the foundation of a very significant business in Asia Pacific.
“While I know his new role represents a natural next step in his international banking career and more recently he has had a personal desire to be closer to his family’s base in the United Kingdom, Alex’s leadership and passion will be missed by all of us at ANZ.
“Since 2007 Alex has worked closely with me and the rest of the Management Board to drive dramatic growth of our business in Asia Pacific, to transform our global Institutional Bank and to embed ANZ’s super regional strategy throughout the business.
“He has built a world-class team of senior international bankers in International and Institutional Banking that has created real capability and significant momentum around the Group’s strategy.
“Our super regional aspiration is now part of ANZ’s corporate DNA. ANZ’s Board, our senior management and our 48,000 staff are strongly aligned around a common goal of developing a super regional bank that is delivering to shareholders and to customers through continued growth in Asia Pacific and through building stronger positions in our major domestic markets in Australia and in New Zealand.
“The role Alex has played in transforming ANZ and our International and Institutional Banking business in particular represents a significant and lasting legacy. On behalf of our shareholders, our customers and our staff, I want to thank Alex for his contribution and wish him every success in his new role,” Mr Smith said.
In line with ANZ’s succession planning process the bank will evaluate internal and external candidates. During that time, Gilles Planté, CEO Asia Pacific and Steve Bellotti, Managing Director Global Markets and Loans will assume Mr Thursby’s responsibilities and report to ANZ Chief Executive Officer Mike Smith on an interim basis from 1 May.