ABA CEO Anna Bligh to retire

The Chief Executive of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) and former Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh AC, will retire in mid-2025 once a replacement is appointed.

ABA Chair and National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Irvine today announced that Ms Bligh had advised him that she had decided to retire after more than eight years in the role.

Mr Irvine said Ms Bligh had played a transformative role for the industry through difficult and necessary periods for the country, and that her broader experience and leadership had been heavily relied upon by ABA members and the financial services sector.

“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,” Mr 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.”

Ms Bligh commenced as ABA CEO in April 2017. She said the role had been a rollercoaster road, but one that was enormously 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.”

Ms Bligh has more than 30 years in public service, initially with community organisations, before entering the Queensland Parliament in 1995. She held Ministerial portfolios including Education and Finance, Treasurer and Deputy Premier before serving as Premier from 2007 to 2012. She holds Honorary Doctorates from the University of Queensland and Griffith University and the National Emergency Services Medal for her service during the Queensland floods in 2011. Ms Bligh was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2017.

Contact:  Fiona Landis 0410 142 229 or Benn Ayre 0428 342 325 or [email protected]

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Anna Bligh