Fred Ohlsson to take career-break
ANZ today announced Group Executive Australia Fred Ohlsson was stepping down from his current role to take an extended unpaid career-break in his native Sweden after 17-years’ service with ANZ.
Mr Ohlsson joined ANZ in 2001 and has held senior roles in retail and commercial banking across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to starting his current role in early 2016, Mr Ohlsson served for five years as Managing Director Retail & Business Banking in New Zealand.
Current Group Executive Business & Private Banking Mark Hand has been appointed Acting Group Executive Australia, while we look at the best structure for the Australia Division. Mr Ohlsson will assist with a hand-over during January.
ANZ Chief Executive Officer Shayne Elliott said: “Fred approached me saying that he and his wife feel that their children are at an ideal age to spend some time living in Sweden. While I’m disappointed Fred will be leaving, I respect his decision to put his family first and take an extended break.
“Fred is a valued colleague and can be proud of the significant contribution he has made to ANZ over many years. He has put in place a strong and diverse leadership team and we are fortunate to have an experienced retail and commercial banker in Mark Hand to lead our Australia Division,” Mr Elliott said.
Mr Ohlsson said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to take a career-break. My children are of an age where we can go back to Sweden for an extended period and both my wife and I feel we owe them that opportunity.”
Mr Hand joined ANZ in 1988 and has held senior roles across business and retail banking, credit management and internal audit in Australia and South Asia. He has been Group Executive Business & Private Banking since May 2018, having previously held senior roles in ANZ’s Australia division.
The changes are effective 29 December, subject to regulatory requirements.